Why Is It Important to Microchip Your Pet

veterinarian microchipping a pet dog

Why Microchip Your Pet?

Microchipping is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your beloved pet. This simple, safe procedure can make all the difference in reuniting you with your pet if they ever become lost.

Permanent Identification

Unlike collars and tags that can fall off, break, or become unreadable over time, a microchip provides permanent identification for your pet. The tiny chip, about the size of a grain of rice, is implanted under your pet's skin and lasts for their entire lifetime.

Dramatically Increases Reunion Rates

Studies show that microchipped pets are significantly more likely to be reunited with their owners. Dogs with microchips are returned to their owners over 50% of the time, compared to just 22% for dogs without microchips. For cats, the difference is even more dramatic - microchipped cats are returned 38% of the time versus only 2% for non-microchipped cats.

Required for International Travel

If you plan to travel internationally with your pet, most countries require an ISO-compliant microchip (ISO Standards 11784/11785). Without proper microchip identification, your pet may be denied entry or face quarantine. This is especially important for travel to Europe, Australia, and many other destinations.

To ensure that your pet is never denied entry or exit when traveling, you have two choices:
1. Carry a personal microchip scanner that can read your pet’s microchip for local customs officials.
2. Insert a 15-digit microchip that meets the ISO Standards 11784/11785 and can be read by any microchip scanner worldwide. 

Works When Other ID Fails

Pets can slip out of collars, and ID tags can become damaged or lost. A microchip ensures your pet can always be identified, even if they've lost their collar or tags during their adventure.

Quick and Safe Procedure

Microchipping is a simple procedure that can be done during a regular veterinary visit. It's no more painful than a routine vaccination and takes just seconds to complete. There are no batteries to replace and no maintenance required.

Proof of Ownership

A registered microchip provides legal proof of ownership, which can be crucial if your pet is stolen or if there's a dispute about ownership.

Peace of Mind

Knowing your pet has permanent identification gives you peace of mind, whether you're at home or traveling. If your pet gets lost, shelters and veterinary clinics routinely scan for microchips, making it much easier to contact you.

Getting Started

Ready to protect your pet? Our ISO-compliant Datamars microchips come with everything your veterinarian needs for implantation, plus free lifetime registration with PetLink. It's a small investment that could save your pet's life.

Remember: Microchipping is only effective if you keep your contact information up to date in the registry. Always update your details if you move or change phone numbers!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Will the microchip wear out or need to be replaced?

The microchip is passive, which means it does not have an internal battery. When a microchip scanner is passed over it, it is powered by the scanner and will transmit your pet’s ID number. The same microchip will last for the lifetime of your pet.

Is the procedure painful for my pet?

A Datamars microchip is as small and thin as a grain of rice and is easily implanted without anesthesia. We recommend that a veterinarian implant the microchip.

Is a microchip a GPS device that will supply the location of my pet?

Microchips cannot be used as tracking devices. They are the best form of pet identification available today. They can only be checked with a microchip scanner.

What if my pet has 2 microchips?

In the event of 2 microchips being implanted into an animal, they will not interfere with each other or effect the way the pet is scanned. We recommend that you keep both microchips registered.

Can the microchip move or migrate after being implanted?

When properly implanted, the microchip should not migrate more than an inch or so. If for some reason the microchip has migrated to another part of your pet’s body, check with your veterinarian.

Can all pets be microchipped?

Microchips can be implanted in just about all species of animals. For more information, visit the World Small Animal Veterinary Association’s website, or ask your local veterinarian.

Why should I register my information in the chip manufacturer's database?

The first thing that any veterinarian or animal control official will do when finding a lost pet is to scan it for a microchip. If your contact information is not registered, then reuniting you with your pet will be difficult.

Should my horse be microchipped?

All American horses newly registered with the International Federation for Equestrian Sports must be microchipped. The microchip must be ISO 11784/5 compatible, and all microchip information must be entered in the horse’s passport and reported to the Unites States Equestrian Federation (USEF).