The Difference in Microchip Numbers

More than 250 billion combinations of numbers can be generated for the microchips used for pet identification. Companies may add additional numbers or lettering on their microchips to ensure that no two microchips bear the same identification number.

  1. Identification

    • Microchips are an internal mark of identification that cannot be removed like external marks of identification, such as collars and tags. Microchipping an animal does not require anesthesia, nor does it cause any adverse reactions.

    Types

    • Home Again, Avid and Trovan are a few of the companies that make and sell microchips for animals and pets. Most companies offer 24-hour call-center service if your pet needs to be reported as lost or found. The microchip company will contact you via phone in the event that your pet is found.

    Misconceptions

    • Not all microchips can be read by all brands of scanners. For example, only Avid, Home Again and 24 Pet Watch scanners can read Avid microchips. However, Home Again microchips can be read by Home Again, Avid, 24 Pet Watch, American Kennel Club and Bayer scanners.

    Benefits

    • A lost pet that is microchipped has an increased chance of being reunited with its owner. Only 10 percent of lost pets without microchips are returned to their owners. Most veterinarians and shelters are equipped and trained to scan pets coming into their facility.