Can I get my dog microchipped?

Video: What happens when my pet is microchipped?

Having your dog microchipped is not only possible, but also affordable. Tech advances have come a long way. Recovering a beloved pet is now much easier due to tracking technology.

Animals go missing all the time which is why this simple procedure is appealing. An RFID microchip can be safely implanted under your dog’s skin. This, of course, not without controversy.

But having your dog fitted with a scannable microchip doesn’t have to be intimidating or scary. Do your research, weigh all the factors and then make an informed decision.

Video: How to Microchip a Dog

Can I Have My Dog Microchipped? Answer: Yes

Having this done is actually mandated by law in some countries.

In the future it will surely be required to have dogs, all pets for that matter, implanted with a microchip. If this makes you feel uncomfortable then you aren’t alone. The world, for dogs included, is changing fast. Consider that microchipping is much more foolproof than a collar ID tag.

Low-down on High-Tech

Many vets can inject your dog with a microchip, which looks like a small glass cylinder, for $100 or less. It’s usually placed at the back of the neck and is functional for life.

Video: Microchipping Procedure - Dog

Having it done won’t be very painful for your dog. It doesn’t even require an anesthetic since 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 into your dog won’t allow you to pinpoint their exact location. Something of that nature would be much more expensive and not permanent (see our GPS article).

However, if your dog gets lost, scanning of this RFID microchip will allow any animal shelter to easily locate you to be happily reunited.

Chip Database Registration

You’ll complete a registration form detailing the dog’s new unique ID number, your contact information, Fido’s name and description, an emergency backup contact as well as the veterinarian’s information.

This is sent to a registry which maintains the database that’s linked up with the microchip. Look into SmartTag as they have a great system in place.

It’s recommended that the chip ID number be imprinted on your dog’s collar. This way it will be obvious that your pet is micro-chipped which will enable early scanning.

Microchips Becoming Law

Parts of Australia, New Zealand, Israel and most recently the UK all require pet dogs be micro-chipped. 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. There will most likely be a universal database and stray pets will become a thing of the past.

RFID Medical Concerns

There have been documented cases of dogs developing tumors which were perhaps linked to their embedded microchip. Internal bleeding can also occur but is extremely rare.

Video: How Does a Dog Microchip Work?

Anytime a medical procedure is performed infection is possible, whether it be a person or a dog. Having an excellent vet do the routine microchip procedure will help to ease your 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.

Conclusion on Microchips

You can have your dog microchipped to ensure you’ll never be separated. Collar identification tags don’t always work as intended. Microchipping of dogs is relatively painless, affordable and is effective for life. The risks of medical problems are minimal and relatively rare. If you worry about losing your pet dog then a microchip implant is something to consider.

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