Microchipping has been adopted by pet owners in many countries all over the world as a quick and cost-effective way to identify an animal’s owner details when the animal is found abandoned, stray or stolen. Stolen or lost pets can now be taken back to their owners once found, and all it takes is a tiny microchip under their skin. The U.K went a step further and decided to make pet microchipping law, anybody who fails to comply could face a fine of up to £500.

Dog theft is a massive and growing problem here in the UK, and with personal experience of the awful suffering inflicted on families who fall victim to this callous crime, I can personally vouch for the importance of having a way to prove beyond doubt that a dog belongs to you and not someone else. In my case, I found my dog (you can probably guess where, it was near some caravans if that helps), but without the chip I couldn’t have proven it was definitely mine, especially after it had become emaciated, dirty, and having had chunks of hair cut out thanks to some of the thief’s children entertaining themselves with my defenceless dog.

From 6th April 2016, dog microchipping became a legal requirement for all dog owners in the UK. Legal obligations aside, microchipping is arguably the best way to ensure that you get your dog back if it is picked up as a stray or goes missing for any other reason. Cases involving stray dogs have been exponentially reduced thanks to this invention, and you can be sure they will keep dropping the more people microchip their dogs. Here is everything you need to know about microchipping your canine friend, your cat, maybe even your beloved rabbit or Guinea Pig.

What is Microchipping?

A microchip is an electronic chip ( as small as a single rice grain ) encased in a bioglass cylinder that is typically inserted under your pet’s skin. A microchip’s sole purpose is identification. Each chip possesses a unique ID number that contains your dog’s private information. However, you can only use it for identification, not to track your dog. For that, you will require a global positioning system, which must have a power source.

A chip is made up of three things; a capacitor, a coil inductor, and an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit (chip) stores unique identification information while the coil makes it easy for the scanner to access that information by acting as a power receiver. The coil then, together with the capacitor connects with the scanner and transfer the necessary information to its display in a matter of seconds.

The chips are covered by biocompatible soda lime and properly sealed to prevent no health issues to your pet. When your dog is microchipped, a vet passes a microchip scanner over the area, and the chip emits a radio frequency signal. The scanner reads the chips ID code which is used by the registry company to retrieve a dog’s contact information stored in the pet recovery database.There are microchip registration databases that will allow you to save more than just your pet’s contact details. Some have gone as far as storing your dog’s medical history as well, so identification and follow-ups have been simplified.

A visit to the vet is now a quick errand since the information stored in the microchip helps save time. We may not be there yet with dogs, but some microchips used on livestock can even transmit body temperatures as well.Seeing that it does not have a battery, you might think that the chip does not last long. On the contrary, one microchip can serve your pet for a lifetime. Also, you do not have to worry about maintenance or having to part with a lot of money to have your dog microchipped; it comes at a very reasonable price.

When did Dog Microchipping start?

The first microchip might have been discovered in 1958 by Jack Kilby, but it wasn’t until 1991 that the first dog microchip was invented. Before this, thousands of stray dogs across the country were being put down each year. The alternative – which is rehoming or returning them to their rightful owners – was either resource-consuming or virtually impossible. And seeing that conventional tags were easily removable/misplaced, many people welcomed dog microchips as a way to retrieve their pets if they ever get lost.

Another viable option to tracking and returning stray dogs to their owners would have been a GPS collar. However, it could be easily removed and didn’t cover much ground thereby proving ineffective in most instances. With a chip carrying all the necessary information about the dog’s owner in place, identifying and returning lost dogs to their owners became way easier.

If you just adopted a new dog say from an animal shelter, ask if it has been microchipped. Some shelters chip their dogs the minute they get them, and that information might require an update after you become the new owner. If you miss the chance to ask that question at the animal shelter, you can always have your vet use a scanner to check for implants. However, if found, you will have to get in touch with the shelter you adopted the dog from to change the contact information.

How is a Dog Microchipped?

We all love our little helpers, but there exists a noteworthy downside to chipping that you will have to be comfortable with if you chose to take your dog through the process. Microchipping may take less than 3 minutes, but it is somewhat painful for the dog. A vet uses a hypodermic needle, which is bigger than the average needle in both width and length, to insert the chip under the dog’s skin. The dog will be uncomfortable for some minutes after the procedure, and the pain eventually fades but with time.

While the needle might be slightly larger than standard needles, it is similar to getting a regular injection. Your pet does not require anesthesia or a surgical procedure for microchipping to be successful. However, if your dog was undergoing a procedure that needs anesthesia such as spaying or neutering, then the microchip can be inserted while its skin is still numb.

After the chip is inserted, the vet runs a diagnostics test to ensure that it is working properly. After this, you are presented with an enrollment form that should be filled with the microchip ID, pet name, vet contact information, pet description, owner contact information, and an emergency contact different from the one provided above.Some vets and shelters offer to be the primary contact but you can opt for a family member, or someone you know will be readily available in case you are not reachable. The information is then submitted to a registry who might either be chip distributors, manufacturers, or independent companies that deal with pet recovery and the likes.

Upon review, the owner is then presented with a registration certificate, recovery services contact information and the unique microchip ID for your pet. The certificate is proof that you own the pet and can be swapped if you decide to sell or trade your dog. While the chip will help you recover your dog, the certificate makes it easy to prevent pet theft.

Stray dogs are not as rampant as they were some years back, and this is all thanks to microchipping policies put in place by the government. Vets are now checking for microchips on all stray dogs so as to make it easier to return them to their owners. As opposed to the days of old when you had to stick posters everywhere when you lost your dog, be sure to get a call to pick your pet if found and if you had it microchipped.
Is my Privacy Guaranteed?

It is understandable to worry that your privacy is at risk in case you lose your dog given the sensitivity of the contact information it always carries around. However, you don’t have to worry about that; the registry database contacts you the moment your dog’s chip is scanned. Also, not everyone can access the owner’s identification, and there are protections in place that prevent that from happening.

Remember, microchipping your dog is just the first step, you need to make sure the microchip is registered and fill all the necessary information to make identifying your dog comfortable. Also, in case you happen to move to a new environment, be sure to update the contact information on your dog’s microchip.

Other than your contact information, there is something else that you need to clear before finalizing the microchipping process. Due to the recent rise in the need to microchip dogs not only in Europe but all across the world, the International Standards Organization (ISO) approved a global standard for all microchips; this is dictated by the chip’s frequency.
What is Microchip Frequency?

As discussed earlier, a microchip is only activated by a scanner but otherwise remains dormant. Different chips have different frequencies such as 125 kHz, 128 kHz, and 134.2 kHz. However, the frequency chosen by the International Standards Organization is 134.2 kHz; this acts as the standard frequency for all chips across the world.Having a standard frequency is a splendid thing considering most people wish to travel with their pets.

Normally, each country had microchips within a particular frequency, and this made it hard for identification if you travel with your dog to a new country. Now, you can go from Europe to the U.S no worry about the scanners there because they have all been standardized.

Nonetheless, you need to ensure that the microchip implanted on your canine friend is ISO compliant. Companies are seeking to better the dog chip every day, and others are using the opportunity as a chance to make some profit. As such, the market is flooded with chips from dozens of companies, and although they all work, not all of them have international standards.
Do all Scanners read Microchips?

Unfortunately no, there are two main types of microchip scanners. The first are called forward-reading scanners and only detect ISO standard chips (132.2 kHz). Anything short of that frequency will not show on the scanners display.The second and most preferred are called universal or forward and backward reading scanners. These can detect all microchip frequencies and are what most countries have lately.

Best Place to put the Microchip

You may own the dog, but the decision on where the microchip is placed solely lies with the vet. Some countries insert the chip at the back of the neck on the dorsal midline. That is the area in between your dog’s shoulder blades. However, the UK places its implants on the left side of the neck.

You can still feel the implant under your dog’s skin a day or two after it is put in place. During this time, it can slightly move depending on the dogs’ movement and if it will try to scratch the area with its legs. However, a layer of connective tissue forms around the microchip with time and significantly helps with holding it in place.
Is Microchipping a Worldwide Requirement for all Dogs?

Not all countries have adopted this plan of keeping track of stray dogs and prevent dog theft. However, the UK, New South Wales, and Australia made it mandatory for all dogs to be microchipped as of April 6th, 2016. Some countries such as Japan, not only require you to microchip your dog but also ensure that the chip meets international standards.

The law is especially for people who wish to import dogs from other countries or travel into Japan with their pets. Other countries approved microchipping too but do not encourage it on all dogs. New Zealand farmers argue that microchipping is only required for dogs in the suburbs and see no need to microchip their farm dogs.

Also, just like in the UK, dog chipping in Israel is a mandatory requirement for all dog owners. If you are planning to tour a country outside the UK with your dog, it would be wise to enquire about their microchipping policy. Also, contact your registration agency to confirm whether the microchip on your dog meets the required international standards to avoid having a long day at the airport.
Are there any health hazards associated with microchips?

There have been some cases relating microchipping to dog cancer, but none have been fully verified. However, one of those stories held weight in caught and led to the compensation of the dog owner by the company responsible for manufacturing the chip. While this might have made some people reconsider microchipping their dogs, the lack of concrete evidence concerning microchipping and cancer in dogs has not affected the course.

Also, in 2007 there was a research conducted on rats in a laboratory to check if these implants indeed cause cancer. More than 10% of the mice used developed sarcomas in the area the microchip was implanted, which spread to the other parts of their body. Still, a minuscule number of incidents have been reported concerning cancer and microchipping.

Needless to say, not all microchips come from the best manufacturers, and as earlier stated, some companies just want to make money. As such, do not go buying the cheapest microchip you see because some of the casing used on it might not be internationally compliant. The material covering most microchips has been identified as the origin of the disease in dogs after an implant.

Also, if your dog races, try removing the collar or at least loosening it because the microchip is located at a somewhat sensitive area. While running, there is considerable movement and friction on the dog’s shoulder blades, and this might cause slight dislocation of the chip. Check it as often as possible to see if there are any developments such as swelling in the area where the microchip is located.

There is a slight chance that the injection site might get infected so keep an eye out for any swelling or bleeding. Again, there have been very few cases of infected injection sites, but these mainly arise if the vet you took your dog to dig not sterilize their equipment properly. If you notice any changes, visit a veterinary as soon as possible.Other than cancer, there have been rare reports of excessive bleeding as a result of microchipping. A Chihuahua is said to have bled out after having a chip implanted in its neck. Because the same dog had undergone a successful surgery a few months back with no clotting disorder, the real cause for the loss of blood remains a mystery.

Also, simple things such as movement when the microchip is being put in place can have repercussions. Therefore, even though the injection takes less than a minute, it is imperative to have your dog spayed to ensure the microchip is placed in the right spot. If your dog jerks or jumps, the chip might end up in the wrong area and very rare occasions, cause paralysis.

Still, all these are just minor and possible cases that can come about as a result of microchipping. Seeing how successful the process is in numerous countries across the world, it is wise to get a microchip for your dog and even more prudent to go about the whole process the right way. If you can no longer feel your dog’s microchip, visit the vet to see if it moved and if they can get it back in place.
A Look at the Potential Benefits of Dog Microchipping

The first and perhaps most obvious reason to microchip your dog is so as to make it easy to find it in case it gets lost. It is not just an advantage but also a moral obligation which shows responsible pet ownership. With hundreds of stray dogs being found in the main cities, microchipping your dog is the safest way to make sure that your pet is returned to you safe and sound.

Another advantage to microchipping your dog is because previous methods of identification are very faulty. A tag or collar can be easily removed or replaced, and your dog might rightfully end up in someone else’s house. Also, as the dog gets older, the tags might prove a tad harder to read. A microchip will make it easy for both the vet and recovery agencies to identify your lost dog via its specific ID.

The third benefit of chipping your dog is pet passports, which are unfortunately not the easiest thing to acquire. Some countries have very strict laws when it comes to entering or leaving them with pets. Microchipping makes it easy to identify your pet at the airport or border and eases the pressure of traveling with your dog significantly.Worry will always grip a pet owner especially if they have to leave for work and leave their dog in the house all alone. Sometimes, the dog might just find an opening and step out only for it to lose its way back. You can have peace of mind at work if you microchip your dog and be sure that even if your helper strays, it can be quickly brought back to you after identification.

Why wouldn’t you want to microchip your dog? The whole process is free in many verified animal shelters across the country. Centers such as Chip My Dog and Blue Cross are extensively recognized and are offering free dog microchipping for the whole year. With no expenses incurred, opting not to chip your dog might end up costing you money, time, and a good friend after some time.

Did you Know that Every Seven Seconds a Pet is Lost? 

Additionally, 10.95 million dogs have been reported missing in the last five years, and almost a million were never found. Going by statistics, a microchipped dog is 2.4 times more likely to find its way back to the owner.

Keep your contact information updated to reduce the stress that builds on both you and your dog the moment it strays off.Another advantage to having your dog microchipped is the fact that the chip proves ownership and can stand in a court of law. Many people befriend stray dogs and end up being their new masters. If a scanner is used to identify the chip and the owner information does not match the one provided by the person in possession of the dog, they risk jail time.

All dogs in the UK are supposed to be microchipped thanks to legislation passed in April 2016. This law is another reason to get your dog microchipped because failure to comply will result in a £500 penalty. Considering the microchipping process is free, it is better to have your dog undergo it than paying all that money for failure to comply with national laws.

Lastly, when your dog commits an offense, it is easier for the offended party to seek compensation as opposed to when the dog is unidentified. While this may not be well received by some people, it is a noble and responsible act that shows care not only for your dog but everybody around you as well.

Microchips are a revolutionary invention in pet maintenance and will only get better with recent designs having better features than their previous models.

The Bottom Line

As a recap of this, here is a quick primer to some of the advantages and disadvantages of dog microchipping. Pros and Cons to Dog Microchipping…
Pros

1. Easy entry into foreign countries.
2. Quick location of the pet owner.
3. Low cost, unlike expensive GPS tags.
4. Zero maintenance, unlike conventional tags.

Dog microchipping is not without disadvantages either. Here are some of them.

1. Predisposes your pet to some types of cancer (according to some)
2. Bleeding
3. Has a risk of infection if the correct hygiene standards are not observed.
4. Painful
5. Risk of further suffering from determined dog thieves who sometimes forcefully remove the chips