Let's chat about into why microchipping is crucial, updating microchip info, what exactly a microchip is, and the different types available for your beloved furry companions. 

As a Professional Veterinary Nurse/Technician for over 13 years, I saw one too many situations that could have been a more positive outcome- if the pet was just microchips. These situations ranged from the:

• the scary parts of pet ownership- lost pets. Microchips reunite.
• the rough parts of pet ownership- stolen pets. Microchips prove ownership.
• the sad parts of pet ownership-  passed away pets. Microchips provide closure. Being able to call an owner to let them know their pet was found but had passed away.

Microchipping provides a simple, permanent, and reliable way to ensure that they have a much greater chance of being reunited with owners.

Understanding Microchips

So, what exactly is a microchip? Essentially, it's a tiny electronic device, about the size of a grain of rice, that is implanted just beneath your pet's skin, typically between the shoulder blades with a needled syringe.

• Each microchip contains a unique identification number that can be scanned using a microchip scanner.
• The chip transmits the identification number to the scanner, which displays the number on the screen.
• You then need to call the microchip company, and/or use a universal microchip database to determine the company that chip is registered to. 

PRO TIP: AAHA- the American Animal Hospital Association has a fantastic  + free microchip database that I love: https://www.aaha.org/your-pet/pet-microchip-lookup/microchip-search/

You then call the company, they will reach out to the registered owner to let them know of the details of their found pet. They typically will not provide you this information directly due to privacy.

Types of Microchips

When it comes to microchips, there are various options available, each with its own unique features and benefits. The two main types of microchips are:

Standard Microchips:

These microchips utilize radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology and are the most commonly used type.

• They are compatible with most microchip scanners used by animal shelters, veterinarians, and animal control officers.
• Microchips in the United States operate on one of three frequencies: 125 kHz, 128 kHz, or 134.2 kHz.  The 125 kHz is the oldest U.S. frequency, and some current microchip scanners do not "read" these anymore, so always ask what type of microchip is being provided, and choose wisely!

ISO Microchips:

• The International Standards Organization, or ISO, has approved and recommended a global standard for microchips.-134.2kHz The global standard is intended to create an identification system that is consistent worldwide.
• For US based pets that have ISO-standard microchip, when traveling to other countries like Europe, if they become lost, the ISO-standard scanners in Europe would be able to read the dog's microchip.
• Some international travel certificates even require it, depending on where you travel

Note: GPS Tracking Devices: we are talking your apple tags, FI collars, etc- these are NOT microchips, but rather GPS technology. These allow pet owners to track their pet's location in near real-time using a smartphone or computer. They typically require a subscription service for tracking functionality. But, if other people find them does not provide contact info

Updating Microchip Information

Simply implanting a microchip isn't enough- it's equally crucial to ensure that the information associated with the microchip is accurate and up to date. Update your pet's microchip information with the assigned microchip registry. This ensures that if your pet is found, the contact information linked to the microchip will lead them back to you. Yes, this typically has a fee associated with it- which varies by company.

Common times to update microchip information:

• Moving to a new home
• New Phone
• New Owner
• Newly adopted/purchased pets with a microchip already implanted

As responsible pet owners and professionals, it's our duty to take every precaution to keep our furry friends safe and secure. So, let's make this May the month we prioritize microchipping our pets and safeguarding their future!

Amber Van Denzen Suarez is the Founder of Atta Boy! Animal Care, and Pet Sitter CEO Youtube channel. A dually certified Professional Pet Sitter, retired Veterinary Nurse of 13 years, and hold s a bachelor’s degree in Animal Sciences.  She lives with her 2 dogs,  15  chickens, 3 fish aquariums, and 3 hermit crabs with her human family in Lakeland, Florida.

Amber Van Denzen, CPPS

Atta Boy! Animal Care 

Dedicated NAPPS Volunteer