Microchipping you Dog(s)

[annie_so_pink]

So, How does microchipping your dog work? Neither Wesley, nor Lilly are microchipped, but I am very curious about it. Is is outpatient? And how does it work if you move? Can they change your address on the microchip, or what? Thanks!

[Novel]

Microchipping is just that, a small microchip inserted inside a protective covering, about the size of a grain of rice, under your dog's skin, usually at the nape of the neck. It takes about 2 seconds to insert, and is done with a large hypodermic type needle. The dog is simply held, like it would be for a vaccination and then is free to go.

Each microchip is assigned a unique number and the microchip reader (that the vet and shelters have) simply displays that unique number. The number can then be compared to database records to discover the name, address and phone numbers that are registered to that number.

Yes, this info can be changed at any time.

[Kuchi]

Well put Novel.
You don't have to go to a full service vet either. Sometimes Petco has traveling vets that will give microchips, depending on the area the price will vary. At vets they are about $55 and $30 at Petco in my area. Plus a one time additional fee to the microchip company for the service.
Some dogs will do a yelp some won't.
I got an email confirmation with the microchip number and website to change info.

[herdingdogs]

it was 5 dollars at my shelter

[Beryl]

There are 2 frequencies as well.

The two companies which dominate the U.S. market -- AVID and HomeAgain -- both sell microchips which are optimized to operate at a frequency of 125 kHz...

But in Canada, Europe, Asia and Australia, most microchips for animals adopt a standard (11784/11785) set by the International Organization for Standardization, or ISO, specifying that chips operate at 134.2 kHz.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microchip_implant_(animal)

Banfield will put in both chips when you go them for chipping.

Our shelter charges $28 for the 125 kHz.

[Novel]

Note: Some people do implant both microchips, however, there are readers now that will read both frequencies. I would follow the tech or vets advice in this area. I have just the 125kHz.

[annie_so_pink]

Wow! Thank You so much for all the info on Microchipping! I will look into getting them for Wesley and Lilly

[ewarp]

Also, check out the microchipping company's policies.

AVID charges money anytime you want to change your personal information. 24PetWatch calls you yearly to try to sell you pet health insurance and to update your info.


On a slightly related note... The AVID rep in the area came into my shelter and tried to sell us AVID chips when we use 24PetWatch. He asked why we weren't interested in AVID, and we explained that the change of info fee is inconvenient (and stupid). He had the gall to tell us that if people really loved their pets they wouldn't care how much $$ it was to change the info. I just stared at him and quietly explained that I, for one, wouldn't have the cash to change my two dogs' info every time something changed, and that it wasn't because I didn't love them, but because I WORK FOR A HUMANE SOCIETY, BECAUSE I LOVE ANIMALS but therefore make very little money. He sputtered and left.

[Novel]

Good response ewarp... some people simply don't get it, and why do they often tend to be salesmen??