The tiny chip that brings pets home: Understanding pet microchipping

In an age where technology touches every aspect of our lives, even our pets are benefiting from innovative solutions. Pet microchipping can be a simple yet powerful tool for reuniting lost pets with their owners. This tiny implant, no larger than a grain of rice, carries a unique identification number that can be the key to bringing a wandering pet back home. 

In this article, we’ll peel back the layers of the pet microchipping landscape and the technology that makes up the microchipping system.

What is pet microchipping? 

If our four-legged companions are ever lost, ensuring their safe and quick return to us is crucial. Enter pet microchipping: a simple yet clever device that most pet parents are familiar with. 

Imagine a tiny device, no larger than a grain of rice, implanted just under your pet’s skin. This device functions as a passport of sorts, with a unique 15-digit code that can be read by a special scanner.

But let’s clear up a common misconception right off the bat: microchips are not GPS devices. They can’t track your pet’s location in real time. Instead, think of them as a permanent ID tag that can never fall off or be removed.

The process of implanting a microchip is surprisingly straightforward and typically costs between $25 to $50. Many veterinarians perform this quick procedure during routine check-ups. Even better, animal shelters and charities often offer free microchipping services, making it accessible for any pet parent.

Nonprofits are also playing a crucial role in promoting microchipping. The Michelson Found Animals Foundation, for example, offers free lifetime registration for any brand of microchip through their Found Animals Registry. They’re actively working to increase microchip adoption rates and improve the chances of reuniting lost pets with their owners.

In some countries, pets get a microchip when they’re young as a standard practice, while in others it’s still gaining traction. Countries like Australia, Sweden, and the U.K. are leading the way with more than 90% of dogs being microchipped, whereas in Japan, Canada, and the U.S. anywhere from 3% to 40% of dogs are microchipped. 

Legal framework and regulations

When it comes to microchipping, the legal landscape is as diverse as our pets themselves. In the U.S., regulations can differ dramatically from one state to another. Take California, for instance. In 2020, the senator of California passed a bill mandating that animal control agencies microchip any unclaimed pets before releasing them to new owners or back to their original families.

Internationally, the picture is even more varied. Some countries have made microchipping mandatory for all dogs, while others extend this requirement to cats and even ferrets. 

What makes up the microchip system

The microchip system is made up of multiple components that are all required for a microchip to be effective. Let’s dive into the four components: the microchip, scanner, registry, and database.

The microchip is the lifeblood of the system

At the heart of the system is the microchip itself. This miniature device, about the size of a grain of rice, is a testament to how far technology has come. But what exactly is inside this tiny package?

The microchip consists of a small electronic circuit and an antenna, all encased in a biocompatible glass capsule. It’s designed to last for decades, typically throughout your pet’s entire lifetime. 

Manufacturers distribute these chips to veterinarians, animal shelters, and reputable breeders. Datamars, a global company specializing in animal identification, is one of the leading manufacturers of pet microchips. They’ve been instrumental in developing ISO standard chips and promoting global standardization efforts.

The scanner unlocks the microchip’s code

A microchip would be useless without a way to read it. That’s where scanners come in. These devices emit a low-frequency radio signal that activates the microchip, allowing it to transmit its unique identification number.

Typically, you’ll find these scanners in veterinary clinics and animal shelters, and some animal control officers carry them. While this limited availability can sometimes be a challenge, only trained professionals should handle the scanning process.

The registry acts as a bridge between the chip and the information

Once a microchip is implanted, it needs to be registered. This crucial step links the chip’s unique number to the pet and owner’s information. Several companies offer registration services, often for a small fee.

The registration process usually involves filling out a form with your contact details and your pet’s information. Some services even allow you to include medical information or special instructions. Remember, keeping this information up-to-date is vital for the system to work effectively. Anytime contact details change, it’s time to update your pet’s microchip. 

PetLink, operated by Datamars, is one of the largest pet microchip registries in North America. They’ve been working on making the registration process more user-friendly and accessible, with online registration and mobile apps for easy updates.

The database retrieves the owner’s information

The final piece of the puzzle is the database where all this information is stored. When a lost pet is scanned, the microchip number is used to search these databases and retrieve the owner’s contact information.

Here’s where things get a bit complicated. There isn’t just one central database, but several. For instance, manufacturers have their own databases, services like Found Animals Registry accept registrations from any manufacturer, and some vet clinics use their own software. This fragmentation can sometimes lead to challenges in quickly reuniting pets with their owners. However, efforts are underway to create more unified systems and improve collaboration between different database providers.

In conclusion, pet microchipping is more than just a tiny implant—it’s a powerful system that combines cutting-edge technology with a vast network of databases and scanners. With ongoing advancements in chip technology and growing public awareness, this small device plays a big role in keeping our furry friends safe and helping lost pets find their way home.