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The heartbreak of a lost dog can be devastating to the owner. There
are an overwhelming number of dogs that end up in rescue and
shelters and eventually with new owners or put down because the
original owner could not be found. It is a good idea to do
everything we can to provide the proper identification for our dogs
in the event that they get lost.
The microchip is an advanced pet identification system.
- The microchip provides a permanent means of identification
that remains in place.
- It cannot be altered or intentionally removed (without the
services of a vet).
- A microchip with an identification code is implanted between
the shoulder blades of the dog. It is about the size of a grain
of rice.
- A licensed veterinarian or someone experienced (many
breeders do this and help out at micro chipping fairs) should do
the micro chipping.
- It is a simple procedure and is very similar to the
administering of a vaccine. The chip is implanted under the skin
between the shoulders of the dog. You cannot see the chip once
it is implanted in the dog. Once implanted, any vet can read the
chip I.D. number with a scanner.
- Some vets have scanners that are not universal but their
scanner should still be able to indicate the presence of a chip
so you can go to another location where they have a universal
scanner.) Thus leading to the return of the dog. All reputable
breeders microchip their puppies before they are sold. Long-term
testing has shown that the microchip is safe for your dog.
Once the dog is chipped, you fill out a simple form that your
veterinarian provides and send it in with a check, usually under
$15.00, to register the chip number. The information is then entered
in a database. Changes in dog ownership are easily updated in a
registry's database.
Of course, all dogs should wear collar identification when not at
home. There are a variety of dog tags ranging in price, and various
types of tags such as the Pet Scope tags. Some people write their
dogs information on a piece of tape inside the dogs collar. There
are embroidered collars that you can put the dog's name and
telephone number on. (Many people feel you should not include the
dog's name since this is a piece of information which will assist
you in proving ownership if a thief does not know the dog's name.
This is a call you must make for yourself.) However, tags and
collars can come off.
- Tattooing dogs is another means of dog identification.
Tattooing can blur over time, making it very difficult to read
and a tattoo can be altered. If you do tattoo, make sure it is
not done on an ear. Dog's have had their ears cut off by dog
thieves in order to remove the identification.
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