What is a Microchip?

A  microchip is a tiny computer chip which has an identification number programmed into it. The chip is about the size of a grain of rice and is small enough to fit into a hypodermic needle. Once an animal is injected with the chip, he can be identified throughout his life by this one-of-a-kind number. His identification cannot be lost, altered or intentionally removed.

The microchip is injected under the skin at the base of the neck. It sits safely there for the life of the animal. It is designed to last over 25 years and is guaranteed for the life of the animal. The chip requires no care and will not travel around the body.

 A special scanner is used to send a radio signal through the skin of the animal to read the chip. The animal feels nothing as the scanner is passed over him. The microchip sends its number back to the scanner. When the number appears in the viewing window, a phone call to an 800 number will give the finder the name and contact info for the registered owner of the pet.

Any pet can receive a microchip. Dogs, cats & ferrets are the most common recipients but bunnies, prized farm animals and horses can get them too.

	Why a Microchip? This tiny device is invisible to the eye but invaluable to a shelter employee, an animal control officer, a municipal worker or a veterinarian office. When an unclaimed or injured animal comes into the care of one of these professionals a simple passing of a special scanner over the animals neck will provide enough information to reunite the pet with his/her legal owner. If you were to lose your pet you want to have the best opportunity for him to find his way back to you. A microchip provides a permanent tool to talk for your pet. Providing this tool gives your pet one extra way for the professionals to find you and get him back home. It also serves as a permanent identification so there would never be any issue as to who the legal owner is.

Where do I get a microchip?

Microchips are available at your local veterinarians office. It only takes a few minutes to prepare the pet and inject him with his permanent identification. Some communities run local microchip clinics. Check out Sarl's calendar of events to see when the next clinic will be held.

Questions:

My pet never goes outside so why would I ever need one?

Accidents are never planned. House fires, hired help working on the house, doors left open, holes in screens, car accidents with pets in the car, theft, a natural disaster... All could find you searching desperately for your pet.

Do I need to keep a collar on my pet?

Microchips are invisible and only work when you have a scanner at your disposal. A good collar with identification tags is always the best way to quickly return your pet however many animals in danger manage to wiggle out of their collars. Once that happens the pet is just like all the strays that show up at shelters. They have no id and therefor no way to contact their owner for them. With a microchip you always have that backup.

How do I register my pet?

When you purchase the microchip it will come with a special registration form. You MUST fill this out and send it in to be put into the permanent file. It is not automatic. If you move or change your contact information you will need to keep the registry up to date. A simple postcard with the info makes this record keeping easy.

Is there any other reason why I would want to consider microchipping?

One thing to consider is if you lose your pet anywhere in the US you have a better chance of reclaiming your pet from a shelter or local pound. The law mandates that any animal found with any type of identification must be held for 10 days while officials try to make contact with you. This gives you the extra time you may need to claim your pet.