Why Microchipping Your Pets is Essential
Each year, many pets go missing, and without proper identification, the chances of them being reunited with their owners are slim. While collars and ID tags are helpful, they can easily be lost or removed. Microchipping provides a permanent solution for identifying and recovering lost pets.
What is a Microchip?
A microchip is a tiny device, about the size of a grain of rice, that is injected under your pet's skin. This procedure is quick and safe and can be done for various animals, including dogs, cats, horses, birds, and even fish. The microchip remains inactive until it is scanned, at which point it transmits a unique identification code.
When a scanner is used, it sends a low-frequency radio signal to the microchip, which then sends back its unique ID number. This number is linked to the owner's contact information in a database, ensuring that lost pets can be returned to their rightful owners.
Benefits of Microchipping
Microchips provide a permanent and tamper-proof method of identifying pets. Unlike collars and tags, they cannot be removed or lost. Additionally, microchips do not alter the appearance of your pet and can last a lifetime.
Choosing the Right Microchip
There are ISO (International Standards Organization) and non-ISO microchips. ISO microchips, which operate at a frequency of 134.2 kHz, are standardized worldwide. Non-ISO microchips operate at frequencies of 125 kHz or 128 kHz. Universal scanners can read both ISO and non-ISO microchips, but non-universal scanners may not detect all frequencies.
If you plan to travel internationally with your pet, it is crucial to ensure they have an ISO-compliant microchip. This will help ensure that their microchip can be read by scanners in different countries.
Registering a Microchip
Registering your pet’s microchip is a vital step in ensuring they can be returned to you if lost. If a pet's microchip is not registered, it can be challenging to trace the owner. Ensure your pet’s microchip is registered and keep the contact information up to date.
How Microchips Work
Microchips do not have GPS capabilities; they rely on scanners to read the ID number and trace the owner's contact information through a database. This method ensures that your pet’s identification is always with them.
QR Code Pet Tags
While you cannot scan a pet’s microchip with a smartphone, QR code pet tags can complement microchips. These tags can be scanned with a smartphone, providing quick access to the owner's contact information. However, a microchip remains essential as pets can lose their collars and tags.
Microchipping is a simple, effective way to ensure your pet's safety and increase the chances of being reunited if they go missing. For more information on pet microchipping, visit k9reproduction.com.
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