[tjdmom]

Originally Posted by tinypawsdesigns

At one time I chipped all of my yorkies because I had one stolen. The problem is, the chip is only as good as the vets/rescue/etc., diligence at scanning. My pets when I moved, were taken to a local vet who never scanned them even as a new customer. During my move I had to see a vet along the way, not one vet I stopped in scanned for a chip.

It is my understanding that vets, aspca, etc., can get free readers; however there are several chip companies and not one reader reads all of them.

I sat while 7 of mine were chipped. Not one even whimpered. They were Avid chips. Not one time since they were chipped (all are now dead), were the chips read by any vet, pet hospital, etc. So, since then, I have opted not to chip. I think it is a wonderful system, and I think it is worthwhile, IF, the chips are read as the original reason for chipping was intended. They show up on an xray and look like a piece of rice. Everyone knows what it is, but my vets, never read their micro chip.

So, if you live in an metropolitan area where the chips are read, it is a good thing. But, the pet can be stolen and taken to a rural area where noone would ever know they ripped off your pet.

For me, I am on the fence about chipping. I think it is good, but I also think the vets should read every pet and new pet that walks in the door and verify ownership. But, they don't.

While I understand what you are saying, if your dog ever gets lost anyone honest will take the dog to the vet to be scanned and many people have been reunited with their pets this way. And if there is ever a dispute - say a neighbor steals your dog, you are also able to prove the dog is yours. Right now this is the best we have and while I agree it's not a perfect system, I think it's the best there is and I really do believe that most people are honest.

Originally Posted by dolsgirl

Thanks for all the info. I don't think I'm going to chip Lola for now. I would almost want to look or wait for something w/a GPS tracking thing in it. That's the only way to actually be able to check on your dog. If you dog is stolen then you & the police could track where your loved one went.

Yes, it will be wonderful when we have this technology and it would be nice if they could make the chip smaller too! I bet it is not far off.....