Check the Chip Day – How a Microchip Can Save a Life

August 15 is Check the Chip Day. This is an important day each year where the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Animal Hospital Association team up to remind owners of the importance of the microchip. For those who already have a microchip, it’s a reminder to “check the chip” to make sure the information is up to date. So how do microchips work? Why are they important? And, really, who cares? Well, if you share your life with a non-human critter, have a seat and listen up. It’s about to get real in here. 

What exactly is a Microchip?

I know you’re gonna ask. No, as of today there is no such thing as microchip tracking. *Snorts in annoyance* Maybe one day. But even without tracking, having a microchip with up-to-date information is one of the best ways to ensure that lost pets get reunited with owners.

So how does it work? A microchip is a small device (think grain of rice) implanted between the shoulders with a needle.  Although it is often done at the time of a spay or neuter, anesthesia or pain medicine are not necessary. Your fur friend won’t object any more than when they get a regular vaccine.

Microchips emit a radio-frequency signal with a unique code. When a scanner is placed over the signal, it is able to read this code. All of the unique codes are entered into a database of information. If a lost pet has been scanned (usually at a shelter or vet clinic), the microchip number is entered into a database. The company can then contact the owner on file.

Check the Chip Day

Well, then, what is check the chip day? Check the chip day was started as a means to remind pet owners to keep their microchip information current.

As an animal caretaker, it is your responsibility to register your information after your pet has been microchipped. Owners are provided with registration information, which is usually done online and just takes a few minutes. This is the most important step! How the heck can they get your baby back to you if you didn’t tell them how to find you?! Check the chip day reminds us to check our information in the database to make sure our phone numbers, email, and home address are all current and up-to-date.

Each time your pet returns to the veterinary clinic for their annual checkup, ask the vet to scan and make sure the microchip is still working as it should. Although very rare, sometimes a chip may become inactive or migrate out of the normal scanning area. Scanning is simple to do, and it only takes a second. And one day it could save your pets life.

But My Pet Never Leaves My Side!

Yeah, I hear you. You have one of those little fragile dogs that wears silly costumes and rides around in your purse (hey, I’m not here to judge). But my cats are indoor only. The excuse list can be quite long. And Mom used to feel the same way. That is, until the Birmingham tornado.

A few years ago, a terrible wave of tornadoes swept across the southern United States. Mom and Dad went with a church group to provide some help to those affected. At one debris-covered location, a sweet kitty was wondering around, afraid and looking for her family. A humane rescue group was there to help. But they said they had recovered so many lost pets. And chances of a reunion with their families was small. That is, unless they had a microchip with current contact information.

Of course, my hyper-paranoid Mom immediately came home and microchipped all of her furry furiends. But even if you never experience such a terrible disaster, it is important to be prepared for any sort of accident. Doors get left open. Dogs may chase a squirrel across the countryside before they realize they are lost. And felines have been known to go on adventures every once in a while! Regardless of the circumstances, having a microchip is the only form of permanent identification, unlike collars or tags that may get lost or broken.

Other Important Forms of Identification 

Just because you have a microchip, that doesn’t mean you should neglect external forms of identification. It is very important that each pet have a current rabies tag (if available) and a tag with basic owner contact information. In the picture, I am meowdeling my beautiful LuckyPet Pet ID Tag. I am also wearing my pawesome Personalized Reflective Collar that includes my microchip number.

The more layers of identification you have, the better your chances of a reunion should the unthinkable happen. There are simple, inexpensive Pet ID Tags  that only cost a few dollars. Collar Inserts are also available that attach directly to the collar. For those interested in tracking, a GPS pet tracker can be attached that allows tracking in a defined location.

Of course, a microchip is the only form of ID that can’t get lost or damaged. Therefore, no matter what forms of bling your choose for your furiend, it is only secondary to the chip. So do yourself and your furry pal a favor. Get a microchip, and keep it current!

Until next time, remember to stay safe, check the chip, and, as always, keeping Pebbles Strong!