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George Bernard Shaw once
quipped, "Science … never solves a problem without creating ten
more." Well, microchipping pets hasn't exactly created ten
previously unknown problems, but the important new technology has
left some pet owners scratching their heads like dogs. Particularly
now that microchip manufacturers have developed competing
technologies.
The brave new world of microchipping has left pet owners with
questions. In this section, the experts at The HSUS answer them.
I have heard there are problems with microchipping pets. What are
the issues surrounding microchipping?
Microchipping is a great tool to help you reunite with a lost pet;
however, it is not foolproof. When a lost pet is picked up by an
animal control officer or is taken to an animal shelter or humane
society, the professionals there will scan the animal using a
handheld scanner, which will let them know if a microchip has been
implanted. The microchip implanted under the skin reflects the
signal given by the scanner to provide a unique alpha numeric code,
which is picked up when the animal is scanned. Microchips implanted
in 2003 or earlier are generally readable by most shelters and
veterinarians. Microchips that came into use in late 2003 are
generally not readable by most shelters and veterinarians because
the chips require different scanning technology. Microchip
manufacturers have not yet provided shelters around the country with
a scanner that reads all different types of microchips (called a
"universal" scanner).
What is the problem for animal shelters and humane societies with
different types of microchips available on the market?
Each company that manufactures microchips has its own scanners, and
some of these scanners can only "read" their own microchip. In other
words, in some instances, the scanner of one company may not be able
to detect the microchip of another manufacturer, which would
indicate to the shelter staff that the lost animal is not
microchipped. Without the ability to use one scanner for all types
of microchips, shelter staff would have to scan the animal, who may
be fearful and difficult to handle, multiple times with each
manufacturer's scanner. Additionally, some companies provide their
scanners free to shelters, some do not. Without sufficient numbers
of free scanners available to equip all animal control vehicles as
well as shelters, microchipped animals may go unscanned by agencies,
which can't afford to purchase multiple scanners from multiple
manufacturers.
My animal has already been microchipped, how do I know if my local
shelter will be able to read the information on it?
The only way to know for sure if your local animal care facilities
have the ability to read the microchip implanted in your pet is to
call them. Visit www.pets911.com, or check your local listings to
find your local shelter.
My animal has not yet been microchipped. If I purchase one, how do I
know if my local shelter will be able to read the information on it?
This is the responsibility of the business or group providing the
microchip. Ask whether the chip being implanted in your pet is
compatible with the readers in place in your community. If there is
any question, call your local animal shelter to be sure.
What do I do if my local animal care facility cannot read the chip
that is implanted in my pet?
Call the microchip manufacturer and ask that they send at least one
scanner to your local facilities free of charge.
Why isn't there a scanner that can read all the different types of
microchips?
Prior to late 2003, there was a universal scanner that could read
all the chips in use in the United States. However, in late 2003,
companies began selling chips with a new technology that could not
be read by the previous universal scanner. To date, no microchip
manufacturer has provided a truly "universal" scanner to read all
currently available microchips. The technology to do this is
available; the various companies manufacturing microchips must agree
to share their technology to make this a reality.
What is The HSUS doing to help?
The HSUS has appealed to the microchip manufacturers to develop or
modify existing scanners to make them capable of detecting all
microchips, regardless of brand. The HSUS will continue to monitor
the situation and assist in developing a long-term solution.
Given the present issues surrounding microchipping, should I
microchip my pet?
Yes, microchipping provides an important safety net for your pet.
However, before having a chip implanted, talk to your local shelter
and/or animal control agency to make sure the type of microchip your
vet is implanting can be read by the scanner being used by your
local shelter.
How long do microchips last? Do they ever need to be replaced?
Microchips are designed to last the lifetime of a pet—a chip
typically lasts at least 25 years. Chips do not need replacing. Once
the microchip is implanted, it will remain there and active for the
life of the pet.
What else can I do to ensure that my pet will be returned should he
or she become lost?
All pets should wear identification tags at all times. Tags should
include a local contact number, as well as a number for a friend or
out-of-town relative. Proper identification tags are your pet's
first ticket home if he becomes lost. Microchips provide an
important extra level of protection in the event your pet becomes
separated from his collar and tags. Providing your pet with both
tags and a microchip can help ensure a happy reunion if the
unthinkable happens: your beloved pet gets lost.
Information Courtesy of The Humane Society of the United States |
