# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Microchipping is a way to give your pet ID without worrying that it could get lost. The microchipping procedure is amazing, making it possible to insert a tiny chip, the size of a rice grain, under your pet's skin. Once it's in, it's very difficult to tell where it is and that makes it nearly impossible to remove. Most people will never know that your pet was microchipped unless they actively check with vets.

What is the Microchipping Procedure?

Most vets will microchip your pet. It's a minor procedure and doesn't require anaesthesia.

The microchip itself is registered to a company. You can update the contact information over time if you move or get a new phone number, etc. This chip is very small and fits in a large needle. It may be read with a special scanner that most vets have on hand.

When it's time to insert the chip, your vet will administer it similar to a vaccine. The location can vary, but most vets will put the chip between your pet's shoulder blades. The pain is the same as your pet would feel with any needle, but is not dangerous and won't hurt your pet long term.

The microchip has an ID number on it and while this doesn't actually contain your information, it gives the vet a chance to check with the company who will provide the information from its database. If you find an animal and suspect it is microchipped, you can take it to the vet and they will scan it to see.

Some people are still reluctant to have a dog tracker chip installed, but it could be the difference between life and death in some cases. There are quite a few benefits to this technology, so let's take a closer look at them.

Microchipping is Forever

The is so small and durable that it is nearly impossible to remove unless you're a vet. This means no one is going to tamper with the chip, either. Once it is in your pet, it is going to stay there unless something odd happens. There are no parts that need to move, so it can't break down or stop working. It simply has a signal that will be picked up by certain scanners or radios.

Since the chip is so tiny, it can resist a lot of damage, as well. Even if your pet is injured, the chip is placed in such a way that it should be impervious to any type of blow. The vet who attends the animal can then scan to see the ID number, which will lead back to you.

Microchips do not lose their potency, either, so a scan will still read it years from now.

It Helps Lost Pets Return Home

Many pets are recovered due to their microchip. When a lost animal is found, it is often taken to the vet to have it checked over and to scan it. There are multiple stories of pets returning home after months or even years, due to someone checking their microchip. This dog chip is an amazing concept.

The microchip has been responsible for thousands of animals returning to their owner once they were lost. It's well worth the cost to ensure your pet is protected and can be brought home to you once someone looks at their microchip.

It's More Effective Than a Collar

A collar, even an electronic one, can be tampered with. The information may be altered and the person who is altering it can rapidly change any information they wish to try and show that the pet is their own. This happens frequently when an animal is stolen and has nothing but a collar.

The microchip, on the other hand, is just a number leading to a private database. Only the owner of the pet can change the information stored on the database and then only after rigorous checks to ensure they are the owner.

A Dog Chip is Proof of Ownership

Let's face it, some pets look very similar and when a pet has been picked up by someone, they may claim it's theirs. How can you prove otherwise? In this scenario, there can be two very different outcomes.

First, your pet may not have a microchip and it is your word against the thief's. They can have a chance at actually taking the animal home and you could lose your pet. It will require photos, paperwork, and a lot of talking to ensure that you are the one who gets to take your pet home again.

In the second scenario, you have microchipped your pet and it is literally as simple as scanning the chip and contacting the database. You will be confirmed as the owner of the pet within minutes. This doesn't require begging or struggling to find old papers, you can simply prove who you are and take your pet home.

Added Capabilities

Since microchips are RFID chips , they can be used to activate things with scanners. For example, you can get a pet door that will only open for your pets. These doors scan your pet's chip and then open. If any other animal attempts to do so, they are barred from the door.

Special feed bowls can even allow you to set a diet for your pet or pets. There are bowls that will open only for the programmed pet. This allows you to feed your animals different types of food and the others cannot eat it. If your cat is on a special kidney feed, for example, they can eat the cat food that is designed for their health, but no other pet in the house can do so. Likewise, if you have multiple animals and one tends to steal the others' food, this will prevent that issue quite nicely.

If you need to monitor your pets' drinking habits, you can even find bowls that provide fresh, clean water and track when each animal drinks. The product connects to an app and then you add the animal's microchip. The bowl will scan the pet's microchip each time it drinks and will track when and how much the pet has had to drink. Even multiple pets can be tracked from your phone, so you always know exactly how much water your animal has had in a day. This is particularly useful if they're ill and you need to tell the vet how much they've had to drink.

As the microchip becomes more common, more products are developed to make life safer and better for your pets and for you, as their owners. With things like the feed bowl or water bowl, you can easily keep animals on track for their health. This also allows you to let the vet know exactly what is happening because you'll have it all on your phone app.

The Downsides of Microchipping

Unfortunately, while the dog chip will help your pet get home again, it's not always perfect. Many people believe the chip is a tracker so they can find their dog anywhere. Sadly, that's not the case. It needs to be actively scanned and does not produce a signal that you can check from anywhere. There is no GPS involved, so just because you have a pet microchipped does not mean you can find them wherever they are.

The other downside is that your pet's body may reject the chip. This doesn't happen often, but if it does, you may not be able to microchip your pet. In this case, you may prefer to use a tattoo on the inner lip to help identify your pet. There are other methods, though the microchip is a relatively painless method that will last a lifetime.

When to Microchip Your Pet

Since the chip is so small, it may be inserted early on in life for your puppy or kitten. Talk to your vet about the possibility at the animal's vaccine appointment, or make a separate appointment for the microchip procedure. Either way, your pet should be protected as early as possible.

Once you have that peace of mind that your pet can be identified in any situation, you will feel the relaxation. It's much better to know that even if they lose the collar, there's a simple, foolproof way to identify and protect your pet.

Have you microchipped your pet yet? If not, contact and schedule your appointment. We're waiting for you.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Microchipping is a way to give your pet ID without worrying that it could get lost. The microchipping procedure is amazing, making it possible to insert a tiny chip, the size of a rice grain, under your pet's skin.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Microchipping dogs is an effective way of protecting your pet. Breeders, animal rescues and veterinarians typically recommend microchipping as safer way to recover a lost or stray animal.

When chip is embedded, contact information appears after scanning the chip enabling authorities to contact the owner to arrange the reunion between pet and owner. Microchipping a pet does have potential side effects, including pain. It's important that you carefully weigh the risks and benefit.

Some areas mandate microchipping by law. Pet owners may want to see if microchipping dogs is the only option. Identifying tattoos may be allowed instead.

Procedure Involved with Microchipping Dogs

Microchips insert under the dog's skin in the area between the shoulder blades. The chip is inserted through a needle and doesn't take long. It's extremely similar to a shot only the needle is much larger.

Once embedded under the skin, contact information is entered into the microchip database. If your pet ever goes missing, a scan of that area reveals the information a veterinarian or shelter needs to contact you.

Link Between Cancer and Microchipping

While veterinarians believe the risk is low, a few dogs have developed malignant cancer at the site where microchips are embedded. In each of these cases, the dog developed deadly cancer less than five years after the microchips were implanted. In the center of the cancerous growths were the microchips leading some researchers to think there might be a link.

Doctor Katherine Albrecht released a report in 2007 linking malignant tumors in lab mice and rats to microchipping. Upwards of ten percent of the rodents implanted with radio-frequency microchips developed sarcomas. In most cases, the tumors grew rapidly and spread to other areas of the body.

There is question over whether the microchips are truly to blame or if another contaminant may have made its way into the injection site. There is also question over whether the material covering the microchip may be at the root of the cancer.

Other Health Issues Arising from Microchipping Dogs

While extremely rare, a Chihuahua bled out following a microchip implantation. The veterinarian is uncertain what happened, but blood continued to exit through the needle site and the dog died from loss of blood. As the dog had been through a surgical procedure a few months before and did not suffer from a clotting disorder, it's a mystery as to what caused the uncontrolled bleeding.

The needle for a microchip is large and does cause pain. If a pet struggles or moves during the procedure, there is the chance that the microchip will end up in the wrong place. Again rare, paralysis could occur. For this reason, veterinarians often advice microchipping dogs when they are spayed or neutered.

Veterinarians microchip dogs in sterile offices. However, there is the chance that the injection site will become infected. Keeping an eye on the site will help. If any swelling or oozing is present, call your veterinarian.

The most common problem following a microchipping procedure is that the microchip moves. Generally, this isn't a big deal. The biggest issue involves shelters that only scan the shoulder/neck area and don't scan other areas on the pet in case the microchip is in a different location.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Microchipping dogs is an effective way of protecting your pet. Breeders, animal rescues and veterinarians typically recommend microchipping as safer way to recover a lost or stray animal. When chip is embedded, contact information appears after scanning the chip enabling authorities to contact the owner to arrange the reunion between pet and owner.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Last week, the tragic story of Target the war dog hero sparked a discussion among our readers about microchips and the possible risks. A couple of people asked about the research behind the risk claims, so I decided to explore the topic. This discussion is particularly timely because Merck was recen…

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
What is a microchip?

A pet microchip is a tiny computer chip that's about the size of a grain of rice. It contains a unique code that matches up to your pet's details.

Microchipping a dog is a quick and simple procedure. The chip is inserted under a dog's skin, usually around the scruff of the neck, using a needle. It takes seconds.

We scan all pets for microchips at Blue Cross

Dogs can be checked for a microchip using a handheld electronic device, called a scanner. When this is waved over the dog's neck, the scanner will recognise the unique information held inside the chip.

Why should I get my dog microchipped?

A microchip is a permanent form of identification. As long as the details are kept up to date, you can always be contacted if your dog goes missing.

When dogs are found straying they are collected by the local authority dog warden and kept for seven days. If your microchipped dog goes missing and is taken in by the dog warden, your contact details will be easily found and you can come and collect them straight away, even if their collar and ID tag have fallen off.

But without identification telling the dog warden who your dog belongs to, they cannot let you know your beloved pet has been found. After seven days your dog can be passed to a rehoming charity, such as Blue Cross, to be found a loving new home, or they can be euthanised by the local authority.

Each year we look after many dogs who we know must have come from loving homes as they are friendly, affectionate and have had training. But sadly, without a microchip, we have no way of reuniting them with their owners so we find them new loving families instead, even though we know that somewhere out there a heartbroken owner is missing them terribly.

It's really important to keep your dog's details up to date, too. We have rehomed dogs whose owners we could not get in touch with because the details on the microchip were not current.

Where can I get my dog microchipped and how much will it cost?

It costs about £10 to £15 to get your dog microchipped by a vet or vet nurse, and some dog groomers, dog walkers and pet sitters offer this service too. Make sure the person who microchips your dog is qualified to do so as your dog may suffer if the person is not properly trained.

Microchips are about the size of a grain of rice. They are put under the skin using an implanter, like this.

Blue Cross microchips dogs, as well as cats and rabbits, for free. Contact your nearest Blue Cross rehoming centre or animal hospital to book an appointment.

How old does my dog have to be to be chipped?

Dogs can be microchipped at any age, but it's more comfortable for puppies if they're at least seven or eight weeks old before being chipped.

Under the new microchipping law that came into effect on 6 April 2016, all dogs and puppies must be microchipped and registered by the age of eight weeks.

Will microchipping hurt my dog?

Microchipping is a quick procedure but it does involve a needle so is likely to be uncomfortable for your dog for a few seconds. However, many dogs don't even notice!

If you think your dog or puppy has had a reaction to a microchip, contact your vet straight away.

What's the law on dog microchipping?

When you get a new puppy or adult dog, get your vet to scan them as soon as possible to check the chip works and the details are correct

Since 6 April 2016, all dogs in England, Scotland and Wales must be microchipped.

As of that date, owners of dogs and puppies over the age of eight weeks must also have registered their pet's microchip details on one of the authorised databases. These databases are run by private companies, and not by the government or the council.

Dog owners are also required to keep their pet's details up to date with the database under the new law.

As well as being microchipped, it is still a legal requirement for dogs to wear a collar and tag with the owner's name and address on it when in a public place.

Owners who do not get their dog microchipped and registered with an approved database face a fine of up to £500 if caught.

The only exception to this law for pet dogs are those who a vet believes should not be chipped for health reasons.

If you rehome your dog to someone else, you must give the new owner the correct microchip registration paperwork so that they can contact the database and register as the dog's new owner.

Dogs in Northern Ireland are already required to be microchipped as part of the conditions of the dog licence.

Will my new puppy be microchipped before I take them home?

Puppies must be microchipped before they go to their new homes under the new law that came into effect on 6 April 2016.

The breeder should be the first registered keeper of the puppy - they are breaking the law if they do not register the puppy by the time he or she is eight weeks old. Breeders should also pass on correct microchip paperwork to the new owner when the puppy goes home.

If you are buying a small or toy breed, such as a Chihuahua, a vet may decide it's better to wait to get the puppy chipped when they are older and bigger. If this is the case, the breeder must give you a certificate signed by a vet to prove this instead of the certificate of registration. However, there is really no reason for small breeds not to be chipped; kittens are frequently chipped from as young as eight weeks, and they are much smaller than small breed dogs.

If a breeder has not microchipped and registered the puppy before you take them home, and cannot give you evidence to show the reason for the delay, walk away.

Whenever you buy or rescue a puppy or adult dog, you should ask your vet to scan them on your first visit to make sure that the chip corresponds with the paperwork you've been given. Errors can and do happen easily, so always make sure the chip and paperwork match.

Is my dog's microchip proof of ownership?

No. Under the new Microchipping of Dogs (England) Regulations legislation, the person who primarily cares for the dog and keeps them in their home is called a 'keeper', not an 'owner'.

The dog's microchip must be registered to the 'keeper', who may not always be the owner.

Some rescue organisations used to keep chips registered in the name of the rescue instead of the owner, but under the new law this is no longer allowed. If you rehome a rescue dog, their chip details must be registered in your name. Many rescues will do this automatically when you rehome the dog, but always check.

This means this person has legal responsibility for their dog and can be held responsible if the dog falls foul of any law, including straying or causing injury, but it does not prove legal ownership.

How do I check if my dog's microchip details are up to date?

It's really important to keep the details on the chip up to date. If your dog goes missing and your details are incorrect, you significantly decrease the chances of being reunited with your pet.

When you get your dog microchipped you should receive confirmation from the database your dog's details are registered with. To check if your dog's details are correct, simply contact the database that holds the details on your dog's chip.

If you don't have a certificate of registration or other type of confirmation from the microchip database, you can check which database the chip is registered to at www.check-a-chip.co.uk

How do I change my dog's microchip details?

If you move and have a change of address or name, don't forget to update your dog's details too.

To do this, get in touch with the database that holds your dog's details. Depending on which database your dog is registered with, you might be able to do this over the phone or online, or you may have to do so by post.

The cost of actually getting your dog microchipped covers only the implantation of the chip itself; it doesn't cover the cost of changing your pet's details in the future.

Pet microchip databases charge an admin fee of between £6 and £20 to change and update dogs' details. Some will charge you each time you want to change your details, and others charge an upfront fee that covers all changes for the whole of your dog's life. Check with your database to find out how they are administered.

If you don't keep your details up to date, the chances of you being reunited with your pet if they go missing significantly decrease. Don't run the risk of never seeing your dog again.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A pet microchip is a tiny computer chip that's about the size of a grain of rice. It contains a unique code that matches up to your pet's details. Microchipping a dog is a quick and simple procedure. The chip is inserted under a dog's skin, usually around the scruff of the neck, using a needle.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
How to get your dog or cat fitted with a microchip: when to get it done, who can do it, how to update your details, what to do when getting a dog or cat