We get asked a lot of questions about microchipping our pets, so we thought it might be useful to put an article together on the questions we get asked most about microchips and our pets.
Can microchips track my pet?
The quick answer is no Microchips can’t track our pets. A microchip doesn’t actually have any power. It just holds a microchip number. When someone passes a microchip scanner over a microchip, the microchip takes power from the microchip scanner and sends the chip number to the scanner.
My Pet has an ID collar. Do I still need to microchip my pet and register the microchip?
The answer here is yes. It’s for a few reasons.
- In the UK, it’s a legal requirement. If you live outside the UK check the law in your country
- We’ve seen many pets who had collars on when they went missing or their tag has become unreadable.
- A microchip is the safest and most permanent form of identification. It can’t fall off, be removed or become difficult to read.
Does Microchipping hurt my pet? Do they need surgery or anaesthesia?
The microchip procedure is simple and just like your pet getting a vaccine. Microchips usually come in a preloaded sterile applicator and it’s injected under the loose skin between the shoulder blades. It only takes a few seconds and your pet shouldn’t react any more than it would to a vaccine or you getting blood taken.
We recommend only a qualified veterinarian should perform a microchip implantation, as they know what they are doing best. If you are interested in talking to us about supplying your microchips, drop me an email – conor@mypethq.io.
The breeder / vet or animal rescue microchipped my pet so I don’t need to do anything. Is that right?
No, it’s your responsibility to ensure your details are up to date on a microchip database. Unfortunately there is a lot of confusion around this. For example some Vet practices when you first chip your pet will register your microchip to the address on file. If you then move veterinary practices or move house your chip details will not be up to date.
As a pet owner you should check your details are up to date and keep them up to date. If you’re registered on the MyPet account we check in with you every 6 months to make sure your details are up to date.
If my pet does get lost, how does the finder know what database my pet’s details are stored on?
I get asked this a lot. Within the UK all Government or Defra compliant microchip databases are connected using a checker tool. This technology is extremely primitive. We previously put together THIS report on the improvement required within the UK to improve the platform. The system does work although very old technology.
If your pet’s microchip is stored on Petlog for example, you can search it HERE on our platform and we will tell you that Petlog has information on your microchip.
If an authorised party (A vet, a registered animal charity, police etc) searches your pet’s microchip, they can find out which database has information on your pet then from that database the authorised party can get your details.
If you have any other questions on microchips and our pet’s, please feel free to pop me an email – conor@mypethq.io.
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