Dog Chip Identification

Dogs that end up in shelters cannot be returned to their owners unless the shelter can identify the owners, either through the dog's collar tags or a microchip. A microchip is a dog identification system that links the dog to a particular owner. If your dog ever falls into the hands of someone from a shelter, the chances of it being returned to you increase if it has been microchipped.

  1. Function

    • A dog chip identification mechanism is a small transponder that is implanted into the dog's neck or shoulder. It contains a number that is unique to the dog to serve as identification. When you register your dog's ID with the county, your contact information is linked to your dog's chip. Using a scanner, vets, animal control and animal shelter staff can access the information on the dog and its owners by scanning over the transponder with low-frequency radio waves.

    Implant Procedure

    • The dog chip identification transponder is implanted into the dog by way of a vaccination. With one injection, the small transponder, which is encased in a tube made out of soda lime glass to protect it in the dog's body, goes through the needle and into the dog's neck or shoulder. This procedure is often done when the dog is a puppy.

    Activation and Registration

    • Owners have to activate and register their dog's microchips once the identification chip is already in place. An activated microchip allows owners to reunite with their dogs faster. Pet recovery agencies in your county require you to fill out paperwork and submit a small annual fee for the tracking service.

    Warnings

    • Different types of dog chip identification systems exist, which means that the scanning equipment used by the dog rescue or recovery team must be compatible with the type of microchip implanted in the dog. Without standardized chip frequencies, some chips might be unreadable. Dog owners must do research before their puppies are microchipped to find out which microchip company offers a product that is most universal.