Q: What is a microchip?
A: The microchip is a tiny computer chip, approximately the size of a grain of rice, that
has an identification number programmed into it. The chip is encased in a smooth, strong biocompatible glass and is small
enough to fit into a hypodermic needle. Once an animal is injected with a chip, it can be identified throughout its life with
this one of a kind number. The identification cannot be lost or altered.
Q: What is the benefit of
microchipping my pet?
A: Microchips are permanent
identifications that cannot be lost, altered or destroyed. Pet owners have been reunited with their lost, chipped pets that
have been missing for years or that have traveled many hundreds of miles.
Q: How does microchip identification
work?
A: A special scanner is
used to send a radio signal to the chip to read the chip’s unique identification number. The animal feels nothing when
the scanner is placed over it. The microchip number is displayed on the scanner, along with the phone number for the microchip
company. We use 24PetWatch.
Q: How is the microchip implanted?
A: Microchips are implanted with a needle. They
are injected beneath the skin in the area between the dog’s shoulder blades. Microchips may not be felt or seen.
Q: What do I need to bring to the microchip clinic?
A: Obviously, your pet! We do ask that dogs are on leashes and cats
are in carriers. Pets need to be under control at all times or may be asked to leave. The
only other thing needed is the information for the registration. The registration includes your name, address,
phone number(s) and email address. Details about your pet include the breed, color and description and
date of birth. If you don’t know the exact date of birth, an estimate is fine. You
can also list a relative, friend or neighbor as a back-up contact in case you cannot be reached and your pet is lost.
You’ll need that name and phone number. That’s it!
Q: Do I have to be from
Clark County or the town where you are having the clinic?
A: No! We are happy to microchip pets from anywhere. Our goal
is simply to chip as many pets as possible to help ensure their safe return should they ever be lost.
Q: Does the implant of the
microchip hurt my pet?
A: Although the microchip
needle is larger than a typical vaccine needle, the general rule is this… animals will react the SAME way to this shot
as they do to any other. Animals do not over react to it. Their physical performance is not impaired and there is no scarring.
There is no substance that can burn or irritate; the chip is completely biocompatible and non-offensive.
Q: Could an animal be allergic to the microchip?
A: The microchip is inert, smooth and biocompatible. There is virtually no chance of the
body developing an allergy or trying to reject the microchip.
Q: Can the microchip move
around once it is implanted in the body?
A:
When properly implanted, a small layer of connective tissue forms around the microchip, preventing movement or migration
of the chip.
Q: If the animal shelter finds a microchip, how will they know who to call?
A: Animal shelters are finding chips in more
and more animals. We are aware of the national registries and routinely contact them to obtain owner information regarding
the animal. The shelter then contacts the dog’s owner to advise them their animal has been found.
Q: I have toy breeds that are tiny, can I still have them implanted?
A: Absolutely. Puppies and kittens can be chipped as early as six weeks. The same sized
microchip and needle are used in animals even smaller than puppies and toy breeds, including mice, baby birds, and even fish!
Q: Does the microchip work like a GPS device?
A: No. The chip is a “passive” device, meaning it must be read by the
scanner. It does not send out signals.
Q: Where can I have the microchip implanted?
A: CCHS is happy to microchip pets during any
of our open hours, 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. We are also offering
Microchipping Clinics through our “Chip For Life” initiative. Microchipping Clinics are always
advertised on our website & facebook page.
Q: How much does a microchip cost?
A: CCHS charges just $15.00 for the microchip,
tag, and registration. We will register the chip for you, and 24PetWatch will send you a confirmation. You
can make updates to the registration at no cost for the first year. After the first year, 24PetWatch currently
charges an update fee for any changes.
Q: How do I update information in the registration?
A: After your pet is chipped, you will
be given information regarding how to contact 24PetWatch to update your information. Remember to do this whenever you move
or change your address or telephone number.
Q: Do shelters scan animals for microchips?
A: Yes, scanning pets for microchips is a standard
practice in all good animal shelters. Shelters have reunited pexts that have been lost for years and/or traveled great distances.
