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Published: Nov 27, 2024
Microchipping a dog is one of the most effective ways to ensure the safety of your pet. With this solution, you can be confident that if your dog gets lost, it will be identified and safely returned home. Although in many countries marking dogs with a microchip is not yet mandatory, an increasing number of owners are choosing this option, taking a responsible approach to the protection of their pets. In this article, we explain what dog microchipping is, how much it costs, and why investing in a microchip for your dog is worthwhile.
Table of Contents:
1. What is dog microchipping?
2. How does dog microchipping work?
3. What does a dog microchip look like and where is it implanted?
4. How much does dog microchipping cost?
5. What are the benefits of dog microchipping?
6. How to register a dog's microchip?
7. Is dog microchipping mandatory in your country?
8. Alternative methods for marking dogs
9. Dog Microchipping: FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Dog microchipping is a method of permanently marking animals that involves implanting a small microchip under the skin of the animal, utilizing RFID (radio-frequency identification) technology. The microchip is a tiny device about the size of a grain of rice that contains a unique identification number assigned to a specific dog. This number is crucial for locating the owner if the dog gets lost and serves as the dog's "identity card," enabling identification.
Why is microchipping so effective? The microchip can be read with a special scanner. It does not require power or maintenance, and its durability exceeds the dog's lifespan. As a result, a microchip implanted once works throughout the dog's life, ensuring its safety.
It is important to note that the microchip is not a GPS device. It does not allow real-time tracking of the animal but significantly increases the chances of finding a dog if it goes missing.
Dog microchipping is a simple and quick procedure that should be performed in a veterinary clinic by a qualified professional. The entire process takes a few minutes and is comparable to giving a regular injection, requiring no anesthesia. The veterinarian uses a special syringe equipped with an applicator to implant the microchip under the dog's skin. Most often, the microchip is placed between the shoulder blades or on the left side of the neck, which is the safest and standard location.
The procedure is virtually painless. Although some dogs may feel the moment of needle insertion, most animals tolerate it well. For more sensitive dogs, the procedure can be done during other treatments, such as neutering or spaying, when the dog is under anesthesia. The microchip is made from biocompatible materials, meaning it does not cause allergic reactions or discomfort after implantation.
Steps of dog microchipping:
● Checking if the dog already has a microchip (using a scanner).
● Preparing the device and sterile applicator.
● Implanting the microchip under the skin.
● Verifying the chip's functionality with a scanner.
What does a dog microchip look like? The microchip is a device about the size of a grain of rice, encased in a sterile capsule made of biocompatible glass or polymer. It is completely invisible under the skin, and its durable construction ensures it remains functional for the dog's entire life.
Where is the dog microchip located? The chip is implanted under the skin, usually between the shoulder blades or on the left side of the neck. This location is not only convenient for the dog but also easy to scan when the identification number needs to be read. Although the chip is implanted in the dog's body, the animal does not feel its presence—it does not interfere with daily activities such as running or playing. The microchip is not visible and does not cause discomfort to the dog. After the microchip is implanted, the dog quickly forgets the procedure and returns to its daily routine. In rare cases, if the dog has very little body fat or thin skin, the chip may be slightly noticeable to the touch.
The cost of dog microchipping typically ranges from $15 to $35 USD, depending on where you have the procedure done and the type of microchip used. The cost includes the microchip itself and the implantation service. Sometimes the service also includes registering the number in a database, which is crucial for the effectiveness of the entire process.
It is worth noting that some government institutions and shelters organize free dog microchipping campaigns. In such cases, owners can save money while ensuring their pet's safety. If you choose paid microchipping, make sure the veterinarian offers registration in a reputable database.
Dog microchipping is an investment in safety and peace of mind for both the owner and the animal. In the event of the pet getting lost, the microchip is a key identification tool. It allows for quick and effective identification of the dog and contact with its owner. This significantly shortens and reduces the stress of the search process for everyone involved.
Microchipping is also necessary for many formal situations. Without a microchip, a dog passport cannot be issued, making it impossible to travel abroad with your pet. Additionally, some sports events or dog shows require participants to be microchipped.
Registering the microchip is essential for microchipping to be effective. Without entering the identification number into a database, the chip becomes useless. The registration process can be done online or with the help of the veterinarian who performed the procedure.
When registering a dog's microchip in a database, such as WORLDPETNET, you need to provide basic information about yourself and your pet, such as the dog's name, breed, date of birth, and the owner's contact details. It is important to regularly update this information in case of changes to your phone number or address.
In most countries, there is no national-level requirement for dog microchipping. However, some cities have local regulations mandating animal identification. Regardless of legal requirements, microchipping is highly recommended, as it greatly enhances a dog's safety and facilitates identification if the pet goes missing.
Having a microchip is required to issue a dog passport, which is essential for international travel. With a passport, dogs can freely cross European Union borders.
While microchipping is the most effective identification method, consider additional measures, such as:
● ID tags on collars – including the owner's phone number.
● GPS trackers – attached to collars, enabling real-time tracking of the dog.
The chip emits a signal that can be read by a scanner. The unique identification number is linked to the owner's information in a database.
No, the microchip is usually unnoticeable and should never interfere with the dog's daily activities.
The cost of a microchip ranges from $15 to $35 USD.
The microchip is implanted under the skin, usually between the shoulder blades.
It ensures the quick recovery of a lost dog and is required for obtaining a pet passport.
Microchipping a dog is a small expense compared to the benefits it provides for the animal's safety. It significantly increases the chances of a dog being quickly reunited with its owner in case it goes missing. This is a simple, safe, and effective method worth considering, regardless of the dog's age.
Marking animals with a microchip is the most durable, effective and completely safe method of quick and reliable identification. Every transponder (chip) has a unique number which enables instant identification of the animal and its owner, helping them reunite faster. However, it is important to remember that a chip is just a transponder with an encoded number. It is not a tracking device and contains no data about the animal or the owner! Therefore, in order to identify a chipped dog or cat, it is necessary that a microchip be registered in a national marked animal database...
Read moreIn today's world, responsibility for animal care has become not only a priority for their owners but also a societal issue. One of the most important tools in ensuring animal safety is the chip database. It allows for the quick and efficient recovery of lost pets, which is crucial for protecting their health and well-being.
The introduction of microchipping has significantly improved the effectiveness of efforts to locate lost animals, reducing stress for both owners and their four-legged friends. Registration in the chip database is increasingly required by local regulations, further highlighting the importance of this technology in ensuring comprehensive care for animals.
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