*Note – for pricing, please see Microchip Pricing, in the canine and feline health sections.
Microchipping is one of the few permanent methods of accurately identifying a pet. In recent years, the technology of the microchip has evolved to include many aspects of information and identification. Here at Labahn Veterinary Hospital, we use the Home Again Microchip system.
The microchip is small – about the size of a grain of rice. The only information that this chip possesses is an identification number that is associated only with your pet, and the phone number of the AKC Microchip Identification System. Most veterinary hospitals and shelters/humane societies have scanners that enable them to access the identification number, and the kind of chip implanted. When a pet is found, one phone call to the registry system gets them in touch with the emergency contact information provided by the owner. The owner can then be contacted and reunited with their pet.
The process of implanting a chip is fairly easy, although slightly time-consuming. If the pet is going to be under anesthetic for any other reasons, that is a good time to implant the chip. If not, we just take extra precautions to eliminate the pain of the injection. We will start by shaving a small square in-between the shoulder blades. This area will then be prepped with a surgical scrub. The needle used is fairly large, and would be painful, therefore a small injection of Lidocaine will be administered to numb the area. When numb, the chip is inserted under the skin, similar to administering a vaccine. After the chip is in place, we will check to ensure that our scanner can locate it.
Once the chip has been implanted, the final step is also the most important! The paperwork, containing all of your emergency contact information, must be filled out completely. This paperwork, along with your registration fee must be sent to the registry. Implanting the chip without sending this vital information is useless. I once rescued a stray that had a microchip implanted, but when I called in the ID number, the information had never been registered. Someone had paid for a chip, but had failed to complete the registration process. If you fill out the paperwork here, we will be happy to take your registration fee and mail everything for you.
Home Again is not the only manufacturer of microchips made for companion animals. Some scanners will not read all of the different types of chips. Humane Societies/Animal Shelters should all be provided with universal scanners. All of the universal scanners will pick up the Home Again chip. This chip is recognized for foreign travel arrangements, OFA/Penn-Hipp organizations, and breeding registries. Pets that have a permanent form of ID are also protected from certain situations. Having a microchip, even if you cannot be reached, eliminates the possibility that your pet could be sold to companies for research or animal testing.
Here at Labahn Veterinary Hospital we encourage you to do everything possible to safeguard your pets from harm. We would be happy to discuss any questions you may have pertaining to the Home Again Microchip.
