The microchip is a tiny computer chip, antenna, and capacitor encased in a tiny glass tube...no larger than a grain of rice...made of soda lime glass; which is known to be very compatible with living tissue; which is then hermetically (airtight closed by melting the edges) sealed to keep moisture out.
Each microchip has a unique identification number...that is never duplicated...stored inside which can be read by a scanner emitting low-frequency radio waves. The number is then retrieved and displayed on the scanner's LCD window and by calling the appropriate registry the owner can be identified.
THE PROCEDURE
Implanting the microchip is simply. It is done with a injector that places the microchip under the loose skin between the dog's shoulder blades.
ADVANTAGES
The advantages of this technology are obvious...the process is quick and no more painful than getting a vaccination, it is a permanent form of identification, the ID number cannot be altered, and the owner's name, address, and phone number is located on regional or national databases so their pet can be returned home safe and sound...it will be very important for you to keep your information up-to-date.
DISADVANTAGES
One disadvantage of microchipping is that there were a couple of cases, in the beginning, of the microchip migrating and not being found by the scanner, however, keeping your pet from engaging in vigorous activities for a couple of days should eliminate this problem...giving the microchip time to embed and bond into the subcutaneous tissue. Make sure you discuss this issue with your vet.
COST
Cost varies, however, the average price seems to be about $45 - $55 (Canadian).
THE DEVELOPERS
There are three companies that manufacture or distribute microchip identification technology for companion animals...Trovan, Destron Fearing, and AVID, each one using different technology.
AVID is the leader in this 'new age' technology for many reasons. They have a 'universal' scanner that is able to read all microchips that are being sold. AVID microchips can be implanted by vets, shelter staff, or individuals like breeders. AVID also tracks each chip to the clinic or shelter that purchases their microchips immediately upon purchase, so there are no delays while registration is being sent into the database...in otherwords, if a dog is implanted with a microchip and it gets lost as the owner is leaving the clinic and is found a couple of hours later, it can be ID'd...check out AVID's Website and their FAQ's.
MY THOUGHTS
I had all three of my dogs microchipped when I first heard about this new technology because I truly believe it is the safest and most effective way to identify your pet.
Although it seems to be the more desirable method of protecting your pet, not everyone is cooperating. Not every shelter or vet clinic is microchipping or scanning pets that are found, and most of the general public doesn't even know there is such a method of identification or they have heard of it but they do not understand how it works.
So, until microchipping has become the standard method of identifying our pets, please make sure your dog is wearing a collar and current tags and/or tattooed.
