How to See If a Dog Has a Microchip

Losing a dog is a devastating experience for a loving pet owner. If you find a lost dog wandering your neighborhood, the owner will appreciate and possibly reward your efforts in returning her pet. The presence of a microchip ID facilitates the return of a lost pet in the absence of a visible ID tag with phone number and address. Many pet owners have a veterinarian insert a microchip, which contains identification information, into a dog's shoulder. Though microchips are invisible, there are ways to detect their presence.

Instructions

    • 1

      Inspect the dog's collar for a tag indicating the presence of a microchip. Most vets provide these tags as part of the standard microchipping routine.

    • 2

      Locate a reputable animal shelter and take the dog there. Animal shelters have universal scanners that can detect and read information on microchips. Most vets have scanners, but they sometimes are not universal.

    • 3

      Leave the dog with the employees at the animal shelter. They will use the information on the microchip to locate and contact the owner.