Blog: Types of pet microchips explained
Welcoming a pet into your home brings joy, love, and memorable moments. As a pet parent, ensuring your furry friend’s safety is a top priority. One of the best ways to protect your pet is by microchipping them. This small step can make a significant difference in increasing the chances of reuniting you with your pet if they ever get lost. Let’s explore the wonders of dog microchips and cat microchips and how they can help keep your beloved companion safe and sound.
What is a pet microchip?
A pet microchip is a tiny, rice-sized device implanted under your pet’s skin, typically between the shoulder blades. This microchip contains a unique identification number that, when scanned, reveals your contact information stored in PetLink’s microchip registry database. It’s a simple, safe, and effective way to provide your pet with permanent identification.
Unlike a collar or ID tag, a microchip cannot fall off or be removed, making it a reliable and permanent form of identification. If your pet ever gets lost, a vet or animal shelter can quickly scan the microchip and contact you, ensuring a speedy reunion!
Benefits of microchipping
Microchipping your pet comes with numerous benefits that offer peace of mind and enhance your pet’s safety:
- Permanent Identification: Unlike collars and tags that can break or be removed, a microchip is a permanent form of identification. It stays with your pet for life.
- Increased Chances of Reunification: Statistics show that microchipped pets are much more likely to be reunited with their owners. It’s a small investment with a huge return.
- Quick and Painless: The procedure to implant a microchip is quick and virtually painless, similar to a routine vaccination. Your pet will be back to their playful self in no time. You can have this procedure performed either at a regular vet appointment or while your pet is undergoing an already scheduled anesthetic procedure, like a dental or neuter.
- International Standard: Many microchips adhere to the International Standards Organization (ISO) standards for pet microchips, meaning they can be read by scanners worldwide. This is particularly useful if you travel with your pet.
Add additional security with GPS trackers. While a microchip helps with identification, combining it with a GPS tracker provides real-time location tracking, adding an extra layer of security.
Animal microchip types and frequencies
Not all microchips are created equal. There are different types and frequencies, and it’s essential to understand which one is right for your pet:
Types of microchips: The most common type of pet microchips are RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) chips. They are passive devices, meaning they don’t require a power source and are activated when scanned.
Frequencies: The most widely used frequencies for pet microchips are 125 kHz, 128 kHz, and 134.2 kHz. The 134.2 kHz frequency is the ISO standard and is recognized internationally, containing 15 numeric digits. It’s important to ensure that the microchip you choose for your pet adheres to this standard for global compatibility.
Compatibility: Since both ISO and non-ISO microchips exist, many microchip scanners are universal to pick up any kind of microchip. Many vets use universal scanners to read multiple frequencies, increasing the likelihood that your pet’s microchip can be read regardless of where they end up.
The importance of registering your microchip
Having a microchip implanted is only the first step; registration is equally crucial. Without proper registration, the microchip won’t link to your contact information, rendering it ineffective.
Choose a reliable registry: PetLink’s microchip registry is the industry leader, providing comprehensive support like travel assistance and lost pet alerts. By registering with PetLink, you can rest assured you’re with a reputable registry with over 25 years of industry experience.
Complete your information: Provide accurate and complete information, including multiple contact numbers and an email address. This ensures that you can be reached quickly if your pet is found.
Update regularly: Keeping your contact information up to date is crucial. Whenever you move or change your phone number, remember to update your details in the microchip registry. Updating your information online is as simple as logging in, editing the information, and saving the changes. Setting an annual reminder to check your contact details can help ensure they remain current.
Bringing a pet into your home is a wonderful adventure filled with love and companionship. Ensuring their safety with a microchip is a simple yet highly effective way to protect them. Microchipping provides permanent identification that significantly increases the chances of being reunited if your pet ever gets lost. If you choose to combine the microchip with a wearable GPS tracker, you have the added benefit of real-time location tracking, giving you additional peace of mind.
By understanding the types and frequencies of microchips, properly registering them, and keeping your information updated, you can ensure your pet’s safety and enhance their well-being. Remember, these small steps can make a huge difference in keeping your furry friend safe and secure. Here’s to many happy, worry-free adventures with your beloved pet!
Pet microchip FAQs
Is microchipping painful for my pet?
The procedure is similar to a routine vaccination and involves minimal or no discomfort. Most pets don’t even react to the injection. However, if it gives you added peace of mind, you can opt to have the microchip implanted while your pet is undergoing an anesthetic procedure, like a dental or neuter.
How long does a microchip last?
A microchip is designed to last for your pet’s lifetime. It doesn’t have any moving parts or a battery, so it doesn’t wear out.
Can a microchip track my pet’s location?
No, a microchip is not a GPS device. It can only provide contact identification when scanned. For real-time location tracking, you need a pet GPS tracker.
What happens if I don’t register the microchip?
If the microchip is not registered, it will not be linked to your contact information, rendering it ineffective in reuniting you with your pet.
How do I update my contact information?
PetLink’s database makes it easy by offering an online portal where you can easily update your contact details. It’s crucial to keep this information current.
Are there any side effects of microchipping?
Microchipping is a safe procedure with minimal risks. In rare cases, there might be slight swelling at the injection site, but it usually resolves quickly.