The Disadvantages of a Chip ID for Your Dog

Many people micro-chip their pets, dogs in particular, in the event that they become lost. Microchips are detected by a scanner that picks up the information that has been registered to the chip. This usually contains the owner's contact information along with the dog's name. Micro-chipping your dog, however, does have potential drawbacks. For the most part, micro-chipping is safe, though it's not a perfect practice. Talk to your vet about your concerns before having your pet micro-chipped.

  1. Placement

    • When a microchip is implanted, it is sometimes placed too deeply within the skin. This can prohibit the microchip from registering if it were to be scanned by an animal shelter or vet clinic. Though chips are typically placed correctly, there is a possibility for error even if your vet is experienced with the practice.

    Technology

    • Not all facilities have the technology or scan for microchips. So if your dog were lost and then picked up by a small shelter or pound that doesn't have the technology to process the chip, you wouldn't be notified that your pet was found. Also, not all vets use the same type of microchip. This poses a problem because there are a variety of microchip scanners, and not all scanners pick up every microchip. Always make sure that your pets have collars and tags with their name and your contact information just in case.

    Relocating

    • Some people move frequently, and this may pose a problem with the microchip. It's important to update the microchip information each time that you move. If your dog becomes lost and the information on the chip is invalid, no one will have a way of contacting you if your dog is found. Moving can be a hectic time, and this is one element that many people forget.

    Health Risks

    • It's possible that your pet could suffer from an allergic reaction to the microchip. Though this is rare, as with any medical procedure, it is a possibility. It's also possible that your pet could develop a potentially life-threatening infection if it's left untreated or goes undetected.