The needle used to insert the rice-grain-size microchip is quite large! I certainly wouldn't want to use it on MY dog! That is why most vet's put the microchips in while the dog is asleep for another reason such as neutering/spaying/teeth cleaning.
There is no need to have your own scanner. That is for vets and humane societies, etc. so that they can identify the animals who have gone astray and come into their care. When your pet is microchipped, YOUR information is registered with a national agency, so you can be located and notfied that your missing pet has been found. The microchip is also positive identification that you are the owner, in the case of stolen animals.
We also keep the collar tag that identifies the dog as having a microchip firmly attached to Higgins collar in plain sight. This can be a deterrent to thieves. |