Microchips: Common Questions

George Bernard Shaw once quipped, "Science … never solves a problem without creating 10 more." Well, microchipping pets hasn't exactly created 10 previously unknown problems, but the important new technology has left some pet owners scratching their heads like dogs. Particularly now that microchip manufacturers have developed competing technologies.

The brave new world of microchipping has left pet owners with questions. In this section, the experts at The HSUS answer them.

I have heard there are problems with microchipping pets. What are the issues surrounding microchipping?

There were several different microchip frequencies that required a specific scanner to read each one. In other words, each microchip could only be read by that company's scanner. If an animal entered an animal shelter, the shelter worker would have to individually scan the animal with each of the manufacturers' scanners—a tedious and imperfect system, to say the least. If the shelter did not have the right scanner for the microchip implanted in the animal, the animal could pass through the shelter and the owner would not be notified. That, however, has changed with the extensive distribution of universal scanners, which read all microchip frequencies on one hand-held scanner.

Is there a scanner that can read all the different types of microchips?

Yes! Universal scanners are now readily available to all U.S. animal shelters and veterinary clinics. They are universal because they must read multiple microchip frequencies sold by different microchip manufacturers. There are at least four different microchip frequencies marketed in the U.S.

The universal scanner is a necessity to allow shelters and veterinarians to be able to read all microchips easily and accurately. The next logical step to improving microchips is a failsafe method of animal/owner identification—the total adoption of the ISO international standard frequency microchip. This microchip is used by the majority of the countries of the world, but not by all the manufacturers in the U.S. Several of the U.S. microchip companies have already made the switch to the ISO standard chip. We would encourage the rest of the companies to do the same!

My animal has already been microchipped, how do I know if my local shelter will be able to read the information on it?

The only way to know for sure if your local animal care facilities have the ability to read the microchip implanted in your pet is to call them. Search online or check your local listings to find your local shelter.

My animal has not yet been microchipped. If I purchase one, how do I know if my local shelter will be able to read the information on it?

This is the responsibility of the business or group providing the microchip. Ask whether the chip being implanted in your pet is compatible with the readers in place in your community. If there is any question, call your local animal shelter to be sure.

What do I do if my local animal care facility cannot read the chip that is implanted in my pet?

Call the microchip manufacturer and ask that they send at least one scanner to your local facilities free of charge.

What is The HSUS doing to help?

The HSUS was the first group in the U.S. to call a meeting in July 2004 in Washington, D.C., of all the microchip manufacturers and all major animal welfare groups to discuss the issues related to microchips and try and find solutions. As a direct result of this meeting came the creation of The Coalition to Reunite Pets and Family to address changes necessary in the microchip industry. The HSUS continues to work as an active member of the coalition to address microchip issues.

How long do microchips last? Do they ever need to be replaced?

Microchips are designed to last the lifetime of a pet—a chip typically lasts at least 25 years. Chips do not need replacing. Once the microchip is implanted, it will remain there and active for the life of the pet.
What else can I do to ensure that my pet will be returned should he or she become lost?

All pets should wear identification tags at all times. Tags should include a local contact number, as well as a number for a friend or out-of-town relative. Proper identification tags are your pet's first ticket home if he becomes lost. Microchips provide an important extra level of protection in the event your pet becomes separated from his collar and tags. Providing your pet with both tags and a microchip can help ensure a happy reunion if the unthinkable happens: your beloved pet gets lost.

(Original article can be found in its entirety at http://www.hsus.org/pets/issues_affecting_our_pets/common_questions_about_microchips.html)