Having your dog microchipped is not only possible, but also affordable. Tech has come a long way!
As a result…
Recovering a pet is much easier due to tracking technology.
Animals go missing all the time, which is why tracking is so appealing. An RFID microchip can be safely implanted under your dog’s skin.
This, of course, isn’t without controversy.
Having your dog fitted with a scannable microchip doesn’t have to be scary. Do your research, weigh all the factors and make an informed decision.
You Can Get Your Dog Microchipped
Having this done is actually mandated by law in some countries.
Perhaps sometime in the future it will be required for all dogs to be chipped.
Yup! We think pets will be implanted with a microchip.
Hey it could happen! The world is changing fast.
Consider this:
Microchipping a dog is much more foolproof than a collar ID tag!
Low-down on High-Tech
A vet can inject your dog with a microchip. It looks like a small glass cylinder.
Cost is usually $100 or less.
It’s placed at the back of the neck and is functional for life.
Having it done won’t be painful for your dog. It doesn’t even require an anesthetic.
FYI: The needle is only a bit bigger than those used for standard injections.
Not Real-Time Tracking
We should note that having this type of microchip implanted won’t allow you to pinpoint your dog’s location.
That would be much more expensive and not permanent (see our GPS article).
If your dog gets lost though, scanning of this RFID microchip will enable animal shelters to easy reunite you two.
Database Registration
You’ll complete a registration form detailing the dog’s new unique ID number, contact information, Fido’s name and description, an emergency backup contact as well as the vet’s information.
This is sent to a registry which maintains a database that’s linked up with the microchip.
Look into SmartTag as they have a great system in place.
The chip ID number should be imprinted on your dog’s collar to enable early scanning if needed.
Microchips Becoming Law
Parts of Australia, New Zealand, Israel and the UK require pet dogs be micro-chipped. Again, it’s a matter of time before legislation is passed in the USA.
In the future…
Americans may be required to have their dogs implanted with RFID microchip technology. With a universal database, stray pets will be a thing of the past.
RFID Medical Concerns
There are documented cases of dogs developing tumors which may or may not be linked to their embedded microchip.
Internal bleeding can also occur but is extremely rare.
Infection is possible anytime a medical procedure is performed. Having a good vet to implant the microchip will ease concerns.
What We Can Recommend
The SmartTag ISO microchip is the best system. There are no annual fees and it works on all scanners (universal).
Most importantly, the signal alerts local shelters and rescue organizations when your dog is lost.
Alternatively, there’s a well regarded but affordable microchip kit which you take to your local vet for routine implantation.
The Bottom Line
You can have your dog microchipped.
Collar identification tags don’t always work as intended. Microchipping of dogs is relatively painless, affordable and effective for life.
Medical problems are minimal and relatively rare.
If you worry about losing your dog, a microchip implant is something to consider.