What will happen if a dog is microchipped? - briefly
If a dog is microchipped, it increases the chances of being reunited with its owner if lost or stolen. The microchip, containing unique identification information, can be scanned by veterinarians and animal shelters, facilitating quick and accurate owner contact.
What will happen if a dog is microchipped? - in detail
If a dog is microchipped, several significant events and processes will take place. Microchipping is a modern method of identification that can greatly enhance the chances of reuniting lost pets with their owners. Here's what happens in detail:
Firstly, the microchip itself is a small device, about the size of a grain of rice, which contains a unique identification number. This chip is implanted under the dog's skin, typically between the shoulder blades, using a hypodermic needle. The procedure is quick and relatively painless, similar to a routine vaccination.
Once the microchip is in place, it becomes a permanent form of identification for the dog. Unlike collars or tags, which can be lost or removed, a microchip remains with the animal throughout its life. Each microchip has a unique identifier that can be read by a scanner, which emits a low-frequency radio signal to activate the chip and retrieve the ID number.
If a dog is ever lost or stolen, the microchip becomes instrumental in facilitating its return home. Animal shelters, veterinary clinics, and animal control agencies routinely scan found animals for microchips. When they detect a chip, they can use the unique identifier to access the contact information stored in a pet recovery database. These databases are maintained by various organizations such as Petco Love, AKC Reunite, and HomeAgain.
For the system to work effectively, it is crucial that the dog's microchip is registered with one of these databases. Registration involves providing contact details, such as the owner's name, address, and phone number. This information is linked to the unique ID number on the microchip, allowing shelters and veterinary clinics to reach out to the rightful owner if their pet is found.
It is also important for owners to keep their contact information up-to-date in the database. If an owner moves or changes phone numbers without updating the registration, the dog's ID number will still be traceable but may not lead rescuers directly to the current owner.
In addition to aiding in pet recovery, microchipping can also provide valuable information about a dog's medical history. Some databases allow owners to store details about their pet's health conditions or medications, which can be crucial in emergency situations.
Overall, microchipping is an effective and reliable means of identifying and reuniting lost pets with their owners. It offers peace of mind for pet parents and significantly increases the likelihood that a lost dog will find its way back home.