Most pet owners have heard of microchips, but there are still plenty of misconceptions about what they actually do. To truly benefit from a microchip, it’s important to understand how it works and what steps you need to take to make sure it serves its purpose. Here’s a closer look at what every pet owner should know about microchips.
What is a microchip?
A microchip is a small device, about the size of a grain of rice, that is implanted under your pet’s skin with a needle injection. It works as a radio-frequency identification (RFID) transponder and doesn’t require a battery or power source. The microchip can be read with a special device called a scanner. When the scanner passes over the chip, it picks up a unique identification number, which appears on the screen. That number is the only information stored on the chip, it doesn’t hold or display anything else. One of the most common misconceptions is that a microchip can track your pet’s location, but this isn’t true. Likewise, no personal details about the pet or owner show up on the scanner. This also means, that if you do not register your personal details in a database to connect the microchip number to your personal details, the microchip is useless.
Database and registration.
The unique number linked to a microchip can be registered in different databases. In most countries, a central database is used for pet recovery, and if the microchip is implanted by a veterinarian, they will often also register the number in their own system. Pet owners can additionally register their pets with other databases, often managed by organizations or individuals. These databases connect the microchip number to basic information about the pet (such as name, gender, and date of birth) as well as the owner’s contact details. One of the most important responsibilities for pet owners is keeping this contact information up to date. If old or incorrect details are linked to the microchip number, it may be impossible to reach the owner if their pet is found.
In Dubai, pets must be registered with the Dubai Municipality. To do this, the pet’s rabies vaccination must be up-to-date and they must have a microchip. By law, the rabies vaccine must be administered annually. After registering you will receive an official ID tag. It’s recommended to also register your pet with your veterinary clinic. For Abu Dhabi, pets must be registered with the Municipality. In the other Emirates, registration is only required at a veterinary clinic, as there is no central database. However, privately run microchip databases are available in the UAE. Registration in these databases is not mandatory, but it can provide extra security. One example is www.microchipped.ae, which offers free registration.
Finally, it’s always a good idea to have an engraved tag for your pet with your contact details, as this provides another quick way for someone to reach you if your pet is lost.
Placement of the microchip
Almost all pets can be microchipped. It’s not unusual for rabbits, birds, or even reptiles to have one. For dogs and cats, the microchip is typically placed between the shoulder blades, although in some cases it can move slightly within the body after placement. In very rare instances, a microchip may even come out on its own.
Most veterinarians will check for a microchip during routine visits, but if they don’t, you can always ask. For pet professionals, it’s important to scan the entire animal when searching for a microchip, as there have been cases of chips migrating to a leg or another unexpected area. Because microchips are placed just under the skin, there’s no risk of them moving into vital organs or causing internal problems.
Should I microchip my pet?
Yes! Many countries have laws requiring pets to be microchipped, but even where it isn’t mandatory, research shows that pets with a microchip are far more likely to be reunited with their owners if they get lost. For cats, the chances of being reunited are up to 20 times higher compared to those without a microchip, and for dogs, the chances are about 2.5 times higher. The procedure itself is quick, simple, and affordable.
Fun fact
There are different types of microchip responders. For microchips that meet ISO 11784/5 standards, the first three numbers of the identification number stored in the microchip will be either a manufacturer’s code or a country code. This will not tell you where your pet currently is, but does tell you in most cases something about where they were micro-chipped.
The microchip
Microchipping is a simple yet powerful tool for reuniting lost pets with their owners. Having your pet microchipped greatly increases the chances of being reunited if they ever go missing. We hope this article has helped answer your questions about how microchips work and highlighted the importance of both microchipping your pet and keeping your contact details up to date.
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