As responsible pet owners, we do all within our power to keep our furry companions safe, happy and healthy. But what happens if a gate has been accidently left open, or the back door is left ajar, and your pet decides to wander out?
Despite our best efforts, these types of accidents can and do happen. So how will your pet get home? A successful reunion is much more likely if your pet is microchipped.
So, lets discuss some of the common questions surrounding microchipping your pet!
What is a pet microchip?
Microchips are used to reunite lost pets with their owners and act as proof of ownership.
A microchip is a small, rice-grain sized implant that sits under the skin of your pet. It contains a 15-digit number that is directly linked to the owner’s details and acts as a permanent ID that can be scanned by authorised people (vets, pounds etc) to reunite pets with their owners.
If you purchase your pet from a registered, ethical breeder or rescue group they will already be microchipped, which is great! However, it is your responsibility to ensure that the details associated to this microchip are updated to your contact details. These details need to be kept up to date so anytime you change your address or phone number, you must also ensure you are updating your pet’s microchip details.
What types of pets can have a microchip?
Lots! Here at Lynbrook Vet, we microchip the following pets:
- dogs,
- cats,
- rabbits,
- ferrets and even guinea pigs!
Pet birds can also be microchipped at avian vet practices under anaesthetic.
How do I know if my pet is microchipped?
The only way to know if a pet is microchipped is by scanning it with a special microchip scanner like those used at vet clinics and pounds.
Unlike when a pet is de-sexed and are given a tattoo in their left ear, there is no physical marks or identification visible to show that a pet has been microchipped.
Over your pet’s lifetime, their microchip can migrate slightly as it sits under the skin. Ordinarily a microchip is inserted under the skin between your pet’s shoulder blades (or breast muscle in birds) however over time, microchips that sit under the skin can migrate further down their back, neck or toward the leg. This is not something to be concerned about, but good for authorised scanners to know so they can ensure they scan a pet’s whole body when searching for a microchip.
How is a microchip used to find your pet when it’s lost?
As we mentioned above, when a pet is found, we use a special scanner to locate a microchip number. Assuming the details attached to the microchip are up to date, we can use this information to call the owner and reunite them with their pet.
As a pet owner, you have the option create an account online with your pet’s microchip register where you can update your details and add further information about your pet. Some registers allow you to list your pet’s medical details as well as mark them as lost or stolen should the event ever occur.
Can I scan for a microchip with my phone?
No, you cannot use a mobile phone to scan for a microchip.
How much does it cost to microchip a pet?
A large majority of pet owners would say the cost of microchipping their pet is priceless, especially when the location of their pet is unknown. Most pet’s come microchipped upon purchase but on average, to microchip and register your pet to a national database may cost as little as $70.
Do microchips track my pet’s location?
No, a microchip is an implant that stores your contact information and is an identifier for your pet and does not have GPS tracking capabilities.
How do I update my pet’s microchip details?
There are 5 national microchip databases in Australia along with the greyhound GAP register and the NSW Companion Animal Register (specific to NSW residents only).
To find out which register your pet maybe on, you can type their microchip number into the website www.petaddress.com.au and be prompted from there to update your pet’s details online or alternatively, by calling the appropriate registry.
Our team are passionate about reuniting lost pets (we hate sending animals to the pound!) and so we make it our mission to help you update your pet’s microchip details. If you’re stuck and need help, just give us a call!
References
- https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/high-tech-identifying-lost-pets-microchips#:~:text=Each%20microchip%20contains%20a%20registration,your%20name%20and%20phone%20number
- https://pawsandmorevet.com.au/microchip-tracker-for-cats-and-dogs/#:~:text=Although%20pet%20microchips%20can%20reunite,be%20reunited%20with%20their%20owners
- https://car.com.au/pages/lost-a-pet
What is a pet microchip?
A microchip is a small, rice-grain sized implant that sits under the skin of your pet. It contains a 15-digit number that is directly linked to the owner’s details and acts as a permanent ID that can be scanned by authorised people (vets, pounds etc) to reunite pets with their owners.
How it a microchip used to find your pet when it’s lost?
A special scanner is used to locate a microchip number. Assuming the details attached to the microchip are up to date, a vet can use this information to call the owner and reunite them with their pet.
How can I tell if my dog/cat is microchipped?
The only way to know if a pet is microchipped is by scanning it with a special microchip scanner like those used at vet clinics and pounds.
Unlike when a pet is de-sexed and are given a tattoo in their left ear, there is no physical marks or identification visible to show that a pet has been microchipped.
Can you scan for a microchip with your phone?
No, you cannot use a mobile phone to scan for a microchip.
Do pet microchips track a dog/cat’s location?
No, a microchip is an implant that stores your contact information and is an identifier for your pet and does not have GPS tracking capabilities.
