A microchip is a tiny computer chip which has an identification number programmed into it. The chip is encased in a smooth, strong biocompatible glass, and is small enough to fit into a hypodermic needle. Once an animal is injected with the chip, he can be identified throughout his life by this one-of-a-kind number. His identification cannot be lost, altered or intentionally removed.

How does the Microchip work?

The microchip is generally injected deeply under the skin. It sits safely there, totally inert. A special scanner is used to send a radio signal through the skin of the animal to read the chip. The animal feels nothing as the scanner is passed over him. The microchip sends it’s number back to the scanner. It appears in the viewing window.

How long does the Microchip last?

The microchip has no power supply, battery, or moving parts. It is designed with an operating life of over 25 years and is guaranteed for the life of the animal. Once injected, the microchip is anchored in place as a thin layer of connective tissue forms around it. The chip requires no care. It does not pass through or out of the body.

The scanner sends a safe radio wave signal to the microchip. When the chip receives this signal, it sends data (the microchip number) back to the scanner to be displayed in a viewing window.

Although the microchip needle is larger than a typical vaccine needle, the general rule is this…your animals will react the SAME way to this shot as they do to any other. No better, no worse. Animals do not over react to it. Their physical performance is not impaired and there is no scarring. You are not injecting any substance that can burn or irritate; the chip is completely biocompatible and non-offensive.

When properly implanted, a small layer of connective tissue forms around the microchip, preventing movement or migration of the chip.  Instructions and injection sites will vary depending upon the specie.  Microchips will not migrate if instructions are followed and implantation is correct.

Animal shelters and animal control officers have been educated and informed about microchip identification and how it works.  Shelters use industrywide, cross-compatible scanners that read all chips operating at a certain frequency.  Once a microchip is located in an animal, the appropriate steps are taken.  If the animal is registered, the shelter will be given the owner's name.  If the animal is not registered, they will be given the name of the veterinarian or the breeder who injected the microchip.

Dogs and cats are injected between the shoulder blades with a deep subcutaneous (under the skin) delivery of the chip.

Most breeders inject the chip between the ages of five and eight weeks of age. Of course, the injection can also be done at any time after that.

PLEASE REMEMBER TO REGISTER YOUR MICROCHIP AT YOUR LOCAL VET!