Many people who adopt pets from animal shelters know that their pet is likely already microchipped, but may be unsure about the benefits. To help highlight the perks of pet microchips, check out the answers to 10 frequently asked questions. 

#1: Do pet microchips provide GPS tracking services?

Unfortunately, pet microchip technology is not yet advanced enough to offer tracking services. A GPS locator in a pet microchip would be a blessing for lost pets, but microchips currently provide only an identification number and, in some cases, the pet’s body temperature. If you’d like a tracking device for your pet, whether you have a cat who is prone to darting out open doors, or a dog who camps in the backcountry with you, look into tracking collars or tags. Tracking collars made for hunting dogs have an incredible range that’s ideal for areas without a cell signal, while pet tracking tags, such as the Whistle tracker, rely on AT&T’s network.

#2: Will a microchip last the life of my pet?

Pet microchips are composed of biocompatible materials that will not degrade once implanted. A microchip will generally last the life of your pet, and most stay in place, although they can migrate, in rare cases. Your new puppy or kitten can be microchipped, so she can always be identified as your pet, and her chip will not need to be replaced in adulthood.

#3: Does a pet microchip contain my personal information that someone could access?

Some people may worry that pet microchips impart personal, private information, but a microchip provides only a pet’s unique ID number, which is plugged into a database that displays information about the company that registered the microchip. The registration company has your contact information on file, so they can contact you if your lost pet is found, and her chip scanned.

#4: Do pet microchips require batteries?

Microchips do not require a power source, or contain moving parts, so there is little that can malfunction. A chip can migrate under the skin, but that is rare, and in most instances, a microchip will function properly for your pet’s entire life. 

#5: Do pets require sedation or anesthesia for a microchip implant?

A microchip implant, like a vaccine, is injected right under the skin. While the needle used to insert the microchip is a bit bigger than a vaccination needle, many pets don’t react any more than they do for a vaccine. At Caldwell Animal Hospital, we recommend microchipping as a puppy or kitten—of course, you can always wait until you spay or neuter your pet, but keep in mind that your pet will not have any permanent identification until then, if she slips out the door. 

#6: Why does my pet need another identification method when she has a collar tag?

Collar ID tags are an effective identification method for your pet, but the tags can become worn and illegible, or the collar can fall off, or be removed. A microchip is the only permanent identification form that cannot be tampered with, or removed. 

#7: Do pet microchips provide more than identification?

While a microchip is most commonly used for identification, some pet microchips have additional special functions. For example, the microchip company, Home Again, offers microchip-operated pet doors and feeders. The doors allow only a pet with the programmed microchip number to enter your home, blocking access to stray animals, while the feeders prevent your pets from eating each other’s food. 

#8: How do I keep the contact information with my pet’s microchip company up-to-date so the microchip is always effective?

Updating your contact information with your pet’s microchip company is the single most important way to keep your furry pal safe once microchipped. And, it’s one call or email. Simply ensure your pet’s microchip company is included on the list of businesses that require updated contact information if you move or change phone numbers. 

#9: Are pet microchips cost effective?

Many people mistakenly believe pet microchips are expensive, because they seem to employ sophisticated technology. However, most shelter pets are microchipped, and the registration fee is included in the adoption fee. If you purchased your pet from a breeder or a friend, or found a stray pet, we can microchip your pet for an economical fee that includes registration with the company. A microchip fee is a small price to pay for being united with your lost pet.

#10: What is the most important benefit of a pet microchip?

A microchip can save your pet’s life. Each year, millions of homeless pets are euthanized in U.S. animal shelters. Many of the pets who end up in shelters are lost and unclaimed, especially cats, and microchipping your pet can prevent such a tragedy.

Has your pet been microchipped? What are you waiting for? Give us a call to schedule your pet’s microchip appointment, to ensure she has a permanent identification she can never lose, and that can save her life, if she is lost.