Can a Microchip Bring Peace of Mind?
Sunday June 1, 2008
Several years ago, my dog wiggled her way out of a fence and into the night. I spent the wee hours of the morning wandering the streets calling out to her through my tears. Then I posted signs all over town and called shelters and animal control offices. Finally, I got a call from a kind woman who found her and took her in for the night. Later that day we we reunited -- never have I felt such relief. It had been one of the most devastating experiences of my life.
Anyone who has lost a dog knows how terrible it is, and anyone who loves a dog can imagine the way this would feel. Naturally, you want to do what you can to prevent your dog from becoming lost. You can start by inspecting fences and dog runs to ensure their security. Of course, it is absolutely essential that your dog wears a collar with updated identification at all times. Consider adding an extra layer of protection by microchipping your dog. This method is not fool-proof, but it is a simple process that can make it easier for you and your dog to become reunited if you are separated. Does your dog have a microchip, or have you considered microchip implantation?Photo © 2005 Stacy Andrew
Comments
Most of your comments are on target. Many vets do not have a micro-chip reader. At least this has been my experience. I think a good collar with an id tag is great. My BC had one from the get go even though he has a chip also. Good advice.
Here in Europe, it is mandated that ALL dogs be microchipped. Both of mine came from the breeder with microchips, and mandated EU passports. Yep, you heard it…passports! When animals are picked up and taken to the vets or to the local animal shelters, their chips are “read” and notices are posted in the local papers, including the chip number. I am not sure WHY this is not done in the US. It is a relatively inexpensive measure, painless to the animals and a huge protection for a beloved pet separated from their owner. If and when I ever move back to the US, I will have every animal I own chipped. Maybe there won’t be a chip reader available, but then again, maybe there will. 50 percent odds are better than none. Anything to guarantee I might see the return of my beautiful Boxers is a good idea to me.
The MicroChip can be a peace of mind when your dog comes up missing. But if the people do not take the dog to the vet or the shelter to check it then the MicroChip does no good!!!
If they decide to keep your animal it could be years if ever that someone ever calls to say they have your pet. Yes ALL of our animals are MicroChiped (3 dogs and 3 cats) but anytime they have came up missing it has been the good ol walking around talking to neighbors and putting up flyers that found them. The MicroChip will however directly ID any dog’s owner if they happen to get out and the pound decides to write them a ticket!!!
If a vet doesn’t have a microchip reader they should not be implanting pets with one. One of the first steps all vets should do before and after implant is to verify that the chip is working correctly.
Actually, the vets implanting the microchip do have readers. However, if someone brings a lost dog to another vet with no reader, then the microchip does no good. Fortunately, many vets are now getting readers or sending found pets to another facility that does have a reader.
Most veterinarians now have the scanners to read the microchips…and they are usually universal, meaning they can read other chips. The shelters also have scanners. If your pet is lost and someone brings him to a shelter, they will be able to find you. A collar or a tag isn’t going to help because they can be lost or removed…a microchip cannot.
I don’t plan on getting my dogs a microchip until they clear up the issue of finding rapid type cancer localized to the microchip area. As my dogs get older there are enough “old age” dog issues without adding in this.
However, I do understand using this as a way to keep track of our inquisitive, curious, dog runners.