MicroChipping questions

[blaue_augen]

So Dooby's lost dog thread has me worried and thinking. I've been meaning to get Suki microchipped. How does it work? Are there different companies to chose from? Can all microchip readers read all chips? I don't want to end up choosing the microchip than no one can read! I asked the vet about this and her answer was vague.

Also, there is a Lost and Found option on my AKC registration papers that I need to fill out. It's $15 for lifetime protection. Do I do this on top of whatever services the vet offers (using the same chip and chip #, but registering with both services?)?

I'm finding this stressful and confusing. Thanks for your help!

 

[new_2_newf]

I live in Canada, but we are right on the boarder, so Sulley has two chips. The first he got as a puppy from his breeder. It was done in Jacksonville Fl, and is from 24 Pet Watch. Since he has always been AKC registered, I have that chip information tied to mine and my breeder's AKC membership information, along with having both if us listed as contacts if he is found. Since i'm in the process of also getting him registered with the CKC, he is also chipped with a CKC recognized chip and is logged in their database to my membership information there. In theory, the CKC chip should be readable by any vet/shelter/rescue in Canada since they are all supposed to be working with the same ISO standard.

I might start by calling the AKC and seeing what brand(s) they recommend and seeing what brand(s) your vet has access to. You might be able to order one right from the AKC (I did from the CKC). Anyway, it's probably a good place to start. They link up to a national database that anyone can search if they have a scanner to read the chip, and it's free. We've found dogs, borrowed a scanner to find a chip and had them home within a few hours, so it really can work to get them home safely, and it's cheep and permanent and doesn't hurt them. They don't have to be put under, the chip just sits in a needle and the vet inserts it under the skin between their shoulders. they don't need to be put under or anything like that, it's just one poke and it's done.

 

[newflizzie]

My Indy has 3 chips. One stopped working, then we got another, then we moved out of the country and they required a different brand. Then the one that stopped working started again!

Lizzie had Avid which stopped working so I had AKC's put in (CAR?)

Magic has Avid.

My vet's reader can read all the types and our local shelter can now also (so they say, I haven't been by to have them scanned).

Make sure you have it scanned and checked at least once a year on a well visit to make sure you can still find it and it works. Sometimes they move around. It is placed subcutaneously near the shoulder blades, it takes no time to do.

 

[Leonard and his bud Snuffles]

I think most US brands like Avid and Home Again are read by a common reader. The biggest thing to also remember is where the chip is registered. The chip is generally registered to who ever puts it in, like a shelter, vet, or breeder. So if a dog is found, then it those folks who will get the call and hope they still have your contact info. So you need to make sure to fill out and pay for you to be who the chip is registered too. Now I know Home Again wants like a yearly fee for their *services*, but I heard there is a unadvertised one time fee to put the chip in your name. When I got a Avid chip for Snuffles it was a one time fee.

 

[dumainedogs]

I have AVID chips in all of my dogs and cats. Some I got from my vet, a couple I lucked out and got free/low cost in the post-katrina microchipping push here! I also doubled up and did the AKC home again when I finished Obie's registration. I also have identification on his collar when we go out. The way I look at it.. the more ways someone can connect that missing pet to me, the better. I think most shelters/animal control organizations now are equipped to read the various brands. If you are concerned, maybe put in a call to the local animal control to see what they recommend.

 

[heather pluciennik]

Morgan has a Home Again chip. Our vet and local shelters all can scan and read it. Search your area to see whats available and helpful. Our local animal control did it for a much better price than what our vet was gonna charge us for the same chip. Is a yearly fee but worth it if she ever does wander away?

 

[Angela]

Gracie also has Home Again chip from the States, she's American!
When she was last at the vets here I asked them to scan her and they found and read it which is good to know it's still in her body!!!

Most Canadian breeders have their puppies microchipped with CKC chips before they go to their new homes.

 

[Rhonda]

Just make sure you register your chip, it does no good if you don't register it. And renew it ever year, this is how they found us!

 

[NewfDad]

We have our vet scan the chips each year and when in VA and we went to the shelter to get licenses we would ask them to scan the chips as well. Kind of a double check.

 

[CMDRTED]

My vet switched to Home Again from Avid. He likes what they do, and their chips are not prone to shifting

 

[heather pluciennik]

My vet switched to Home Again from Avid. He likes what they do, and their chips are not prone to shifting

Yep another reason we choose Home Again. Didn't want a chip floating around her. Want to know some one will find it if needed.
We also have the vet check every year she goes in for her check ups.

 

[Leonard and his bud Snuffles]

Yep another reason we choose Home Again. Didn't want a chip floating around her. Want to know some one will find it if needed.
We also have the vet check every year she goes in for her check ups.

Interesting what Ted wrote. I do worry about Snuffles chip not being read. It is a Avid, and has shifted toward his right shoulder. I to check it now and then when we go to the vet. I weight Snuffles there at least 2 times a month, and on occasion ask to check the chip.

 

[Pipelineozzy]

Gracie also has Home Again chip from the States, she's American!
When she was last at the vets here I asked them to scan her and they found and read it which is good to know it's still in her body!!!

Most Canadian breeders have their puppies microchipped with CKC chips before they go to their new homes.

Yes, and when we fill in the registration, we put in the contact name as the new owner ...so the chip is essentially registered to THEM, not the breeder.

The scanner whereI worked would read ANY type of chip, I think most of the newer ones do.

 

[NinaA]

Make sure you update your information about once a year, too. Also, you might want to use your cell phone number rather than your house line. Never know when a tornado or hurricane might take away your house. I use Home Again and have it on all 5 dogs. Well worth the money. Now if I could just remember to have the vet check them once in a while I'd be in really good shape.