Microchipping should be simple. Implant chip, pet gets lost, pet is scanned, owner on file is contacted, happy reunion!
What’s the problem? Often owners don’t send their information into the database so when the vet, shelter, or rescue worker calls for info, there’s nothing to report. Chips are mainly sold in bulk and buyer info collected at the time of sale. If any part of the information chain is missing, this can mean bad things for your pet. Most database organizations will start backtracking through the chain till they find information for the animal, but don’t count on it.
Microchip Information Chain
Step 1: Pet is scanned —> Step 2: Database is contacted for owner info. Missing? Go to next step —> Step 3: Database looks for any info about the vet who implanted chip. Missing? Go to next step. —> Step 4: Search database for info of vet, breeder, or entity who bought the chip. Missing? —> Step 5: Contact manufacturer of chip for buyer info. Missing? End of the line. Pet is on its own, available for rehoming.
Backtracking takes valuable time away from the recovery process and you see how easily it breaks down if any contact info in the chain is missing or not updated. In the worst case scenario, the chip can’t be tracked back before the animal is euthanized at a shelter.
So if you have a microchipped Frenchie or pet, and you haven’t sent in the paperwork to link him/her to YOUR contact info, or you’ve moved and haven’t updated your information, don’t rely on someone in the chain to be there. Go ahead and send your contact info in now. Make sure to write the microchip number down for your records and share it with your vet as backup. Most vets are willing to be an alternate contact, too.
Maybe you aren’t sure if your contact info is up-to-date? Call or write the database and see what they have on file. (Contact links and phone numbers at the end of this entry.) Some databases will do it for free, some for a small charge.
Now for another complicated part, there are different kinds of microchips. Just like radio signals (which is exactly what they are transmitting when scanned) they have different frequencies or “channels.” The most common frequency used in the US is 125kHz. In Europe 134.2kHz is the standard. (If you plan to travel internationally with your pet, something to consider and research.) Some chips are encrypted, meaning their presence can be confirmed, but you need the right scanner to read the number. Current scanners can read both chips, but shelters and rescues faced with limited funds, might have an old scanner. If you are using a chip bought through your vet, breeder, or shelter, you are probably safe, however, doesn’t hurt to know the type and brand. As a backup plan, a collar with an ID tag is always a good idea.
Last, are the databases. There are six major ones. Which one to sign up with? Always best to sign up with the database used by the manufacturer of the chip, but that doesn’t prevent you from signing up with other databases, as well.
Main databases/information registries
24PetWatch ……….. 866-597-2424
AKC CAR …………. 800-252-7894
AVID/PetTrac US … 800-336-2843 x 4
Banfield ……………… 877-LOST-PET (877-567-8738)
HomeAgain ……….. 888-HOME-AGAIN (888-466-3242)
ResQ …………………. 877-PET-LINK
Microchip lookup sites
Pet Microchip Lookup (AAHA)
Check the Chip (Chloe Standard)
AVID
Some sellers of microchips and chipping equipment
Microchip ID Systems
Revival Animal Health
Check with your vet or a local shelter
The thing to remember is, just chipping your pet doesn’t protect them. Keeping your contact information updated in the database is the most crucial part of the recovery process.
