Dog Microchips – How Do They Work?

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A dog microchip is a tiny device about the size of a grain of rice that is injected beneath your dog’s skin, usually at the neck, that stores a unique identification number.

If your pet runs away or is lost, then any veterinarian or shelter that finds your pet can use a handheld reader to scan the information on the dog microchip and then contact you to return the pet to you.

A dog microchip works by storing a small bit of information about the pet, but there is no locater or GPS  technology involved. The dog microchips don’t track the dog, in other words; they just identify the dog.

And in the off-chance that your dog is stolen, dog microchipping unfortunately will not get your dog back to you unless the vet notices that the chip does not match what the thief claims. If a stolen dog never gets scanned for a chip, there’s no way the chip will help return him to you.

The basic technology behind pet microchips dates several decades. Recently the devices became cheaper and started to be seen more on the mainstream pet market.

The question (after “How does a dog microchip work?”) is always, Do I need to microchip my dog? You may be tempted to skip a pet microchip altogether if you’re always with your dog. But the injection is simple and safe, so definitely consider getting one. After all, even the most closely guarded dogs can escape now and then.

If you’re one of those pet owners who are squeamish about idea of getting a dog microchip implant because you think it will be painful for the animal, you need not worry. The procedure won’t even require anesthesia. Think of it as a flu shot (the vet will use a hypodermic needle to implant the microchip). Even PETA agrees that the temporary sting is nothing compared to your dog getting lost. Dog microchips cost about $25 to $65 to implant, and vary from vet to vet.

By the way, it’s never too soon to plan for the worst (for example, create a “lost dog” flier template). Also, read our article what to do if you have found a stray dog.

Photo: sarahdopp/Flickr

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