To micro-chip or not? - YorkieTalk.com Forums

chatwizme · 03-03-2011, 02:57 PM

I am wondering everyone's thots on micro-chipping. Our first vet, the one I will never go to again, told us that it was stupid to micro-chip a pretty little Yorkie. For several reasons: 1) A four pound Yorkie is never going to go outside without Mom or Dad and will always have supervision and be on a leash. 2) If she is alone for a moment she will not run away because she loves Mom and Dad too much and is too clingy and needs constant human interaction. 3) If she does somehow become separated from Mom and Dad and somebody finds her there will be not a chance in hell anybody would be honest enuf to take her to a vet and have her scanned. They would probably either keep her or try to sell her.

We are going on vacation and leaving her with my son and daughter in law and their three kids. Should I have her chipped b4 we go? Do you have to keep paying a yearly fee to stay in the system? Does everyone else do this? I am a nervous wreck. We've left her with them several times in the last 2 years and it's been fine. For some reason I'm worried this time...

alaskayorkie · 03-03-2011, 03:02 PM

Absolutely, have her chipped. What's the harm?

Yorkies end up in shelters all the time because they can't be reunited with their owners. To say Yorkies don't run off or get lost or stolen is, IMO, ignorant. Yorkies are dogs like any other and can run off with the worst of them.

I thought my Yorkie was stolen recently, and the first question the officer had was "Do you have a microchip number?" He was going to have me alert all the vets in town, so the first time someone brought him in for a checkup or problem, they'd bust the thief.

ID tags are great, but they can fall off. So can collars. Microchips are permanent. Do it, register the number, and keep it handy in case of an emergency.

There are SOME systems that ask you to pay every year to keep her on a national registry, but even if you don't keep paying, at least you'll have the number that you can present to local vets and animal shelters.

LOL, sorry, I keep adding to this: Some people also choose to tattoo their dogs. Just as permanent.

shodanusmc · 03-03-2011, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alaskayorkie

Absolutely, have her chipped. What's the harm?

Yorkies end up in shelters all the time because they can't be reunited with their owners. To say Yorkies don't run off or get lost or stolen is, IMO, ignorant. Yorkies are dogs like any other and can run off with the worst of them.

I thought my Yorkie was stolen recently, and the first question the officer had was "Do you have a microchip number?" He was going to have me alert all the vets in town, so the first time someone brought him in for a checkup or problem, they'd bust the thief.

ID tags are great, but they can fall off. So can collars. Microchips are permanent. Do it, register the number, and keep it handy in case of an emergency.

There are SOME systems that ask you to pay every year to keep her on a national registry, but even if you don't keep paying, at least you'll have the number that you can present to local vets and animal shelters.

LOL, sorry, I keep adding to this: Some people also choose to tattoo their dogs. Just as permanent.

On Target and firing for effect! Totally agree with the kid from Alaska!

yorkietalkjilly · 03-03-2011, 03:06 PM

Microchip your dog and be safe. Tibbe had is and he is only 5.3 lbs with no site soreness ever and if he should ever get lost for whatever reason, I stand a better chance of seeing that darling little face again than if he is just lost and all on his own. And I for one would take a lost Yorkie to a vet to have it scanned! Should Animal Control pick your dog up, they will scan it. I do not pay a yearly fee, just keep the site updated. The yearly fee some pay I think is for injuries when lost, etc.

chatwizme · 03-03-2011, 03:21 PM

Thank you for the input. I also read through another thread talking about micro-chipping. I had thought it was a large thing that was inserted but I guess it's the size of a grain of rice? I just called and made an appt for this Saturday to have her chipped. For some reason 'something' is telling me to have this done and I know from experience that I need to 'listen' to that 'still small voice'. Oh, if ANYTHING were to happen that would separate my little Sophie from me, I don't think I would survive. In the last two years I've lost my mother in law, my father, my brother, and my mother. Sophie has been there for me! Hubby of 40 yrs has too, but my Sophie? I NEED her loves!!!!!
Thanks to all who keep this site going!

yorkietalkjilly · 03-03-2011, 03:37 PM

Please do chip. Plus I think its one of the best proofs of ownership you could present in court if there were ever any question whose dog she is. I hear it happens so I would take all the chances I could of ensuring her rapid return should the worst happen. And be sure to follow through and register/update the website yearly, etc. I keep all Tibbe's chip info in my phone and day planner and with me all the time.

IamMiasmom · 03-03-2011, 03:43 PM

PLEASE chip your baby! Mia is 3# 11 oz. no she is not allowed off leash but what if someday some accidentally opens a door and she would go out and explore! She could be lost and that could be the only way she got home. I had her chipped when they did her spay. It didn't seem to have any effect on her, I can't feel it but know it is there. It's a birthmark so to speak that in the worst case can identify your little one and is proof they belong to you. Not cruel I promise, cruel to take a chance of loss.

Tayluvheryorkie · 03-03-2011, 03:44 PM

I feel all pets need to be chipped. It a small thing to do.. Well worth it.

alaskayorkie · 03-03-2011, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chatwizme

Thank you for the input. I also read through another thread talking about micro-chipping. I had thought it was a large thing that was inserted but I guess it's the size of a grain of rice? I just called and made an appt for this Saturday to have her chipped. For some reason 'something' is telling me to have this done and I know from experience that I need to 'listen' to that 'still small voice'. Oh, if ANYTHING were to happen that would separate my little Sophie from me, I don't think I would survive. In the last two years I've lost my mother in law, my father, my brother, and my mother. Sophie has been there for me! Hubby of 40 yrs has too, but my Sophie? I NEED her loves!!!!!
Thanks to all who keep this site going!

Terrific! Yeah, it's just like a grain of rice. Jillie got hers when she was around 3 lbs. Never any problems.

QuickSilver · 03-03-2011, 04:11 PM

You may have heard that the chip was a "large thing" because the needle that inserts it is very large. The chip itself is as described. It's one of those things where the comparison is very apt. It feels EXACTLY like a grain of rice.

miabellaamoure · 03-03-2011, 04:13 PM

So, if your dog got lost or worse, stolen...and you were able to locate him, how would you go about proving it was "your" dog? There is no denying the number on a microchip where not even the most recent photo's of your dog can always be used to identify a dog.

oops...I read further down the road that you did decide to microchip...fantastic!

tinypawsdesigns · 03-03-2011, 04:52 PM

Have em chipped. I had one taken out of my car off the car seat, while I was using a pay phone (pre-cells). I had all mine chipped the next day.

Problem is, where you live, if... if your vet checks all pets coming in for chips, it is a good thing. When I lived in California, they were always checked. Here in Oregon, not at all. But, I think more an more are. Once they know you an your animal it won't be necessary, but a new person to a vet with an unknown dog should have a chip check. The readers to the vet are free and to the Aspca.

I think it is a good thing. Years ago, I heard from someone that AKC was going to require micro-chipping all pets. It feels like a tiny grain of rice in their body. It doesn't bother them. It is best to be on the safe side.

SWHouston · 03-03-2011, 10:52 PM

Some of these posts may be helpful...

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/3445219-post13.html
http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/3448480-post30.html
http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/3449061-post38.html
http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/3449558-post43.html

Have a good Day !

S.W.

tinypawsdesigns · 03-04-2011, 04:02 AM

When I went to the vet, they used their reader and asked ME questions. They had the information because the chip reader provided them information to verify with me.

Second, when you get a chip, (I chipped 7 at one time) the vet provides you with the information to register your chip and tells you to do so.

You also have to let the company you get your chip with know your move address etc if you should do so.

I got my yorkies after my initial chipping from a reputable breeder who chips their pets and also provides you with the information to register the chip.

The object of the chip is to detect the true animal's owner (if lost or stolen) and if someone were to take your stolen pet into a vet after it has been stolen, then you could possibly get your pet returned to you.

The readers that the vets have are to read all chips (frequencies), my vet says you do not need to know anything about the chip in your pet other than he/she is chipped and where they are chipped with (company) in order to keep them informed. They provide the readers to vets, aspca's, etc., Now, they have a reader for all chips. They check your pet when they are turned into the vet for a checkup etc., at the front to verify the owner.

It is a good system. I for one am happy to have them. They do show up on x-ray's and they do not cause your pet any trouble. As I said I have pets that have had them in for 10 years. And some for 5 years, I do think it is an important thing to do. And if you have just one pet, it won't cost much to register. When I did 7, it was major.

My pets when chipped did not even let out a peep.

Maximo · 03-04-2011, 06:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chatwizme

I am wondering everyone's thots on micro-chipping. Our first vet, the one I will never go to again, told us that it was stupid to micro-chip a pretty little Yorkie. For several reasons: 1) A four pound Yorkie is never going to go outside without Mom or Dad and will always have supervision and be on a leash. 2) If she is alone for a moment she will not run away because she loves Mom and Dad too much and is too clingy and needs constant human interaction. 3) If she does somehow become separated from Mom and Dad and somebody finds her there will be not a chance in hell anybody would be honest enuf to take her to a vet and have her scanned. They would probably either keep her or try to sell her.

We are going on vacation and leaving her with my son and daughter in law and their three kids. Should I have her chipped b4 we go? Do you have to keep paying a yearly fee to stay in the system? Does everyone else do this? I am a nervous wreck. We've left her with them several times in the last 2 years and it's been fine. For some reason I'm worried this time...

Sadly, there are people in the world like this. It is one of my fears.

As for reason #2, sure my boys adore me and their home, but they would happily run off to the next county before they stopped to think, "Oh no, where is my mommy?" I'm glad you no longer go to this vet.

I never dreamed my boys would ever get out of the house unleashed, but they have. Thankfully, they didn't make it out of my sight, but if they had, I'm glad they are chipped. It isn't a guarantee, but it is one more safety precaution.

03-03-2011, 02:57 PM	#1
chatwizme Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: utah Posts: 44 Blog Entries: 1	To micro-chip or not? I am wondering everyone's thots on micro-chipping. Our first vet, the one I will never go to again, told us that it was stupid to micro-chip a pretty little Yorkie. For several reasons: 1) A four pound Yorkie is never going to go outside without Mom or Dad and will always have supervision and be on a leash. 2) If she is alone for a moment she will not run away because she loves Mom and Dad too much and is too clingy and needs constant human interaction. 3) If she does somehow become separated from Mom and Dad and somebody finds her there will be not a chance in hell anybody would be honest enuf to take her to a vet and have her scanned. They would probably either keep her or try to sell her. We are going on vacation and leaving her with my son and daughter in law and their three kids. Should I have her chipped b4 we go? Do you have to keep paying a yearly fee to stay in the system? Does everyone else do this? I am a nervous wreck. We've left her with them several times in the last 2 years and it's been fine. For some reason I'm worried this time...

03-03-2011, 04:11 PM	#10
QuickSilver Thor's Human Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 5,929 Blog Entries: 31	You may have heard that the chip was a "large thing" because the needle that inserts it is very large. The chip itself is as described. It's one of those things where the comparison is very apt. It feels EXACTLY like a grain of rice. __________________ If you love something, set it free. Unless it's an angry tiger.

03-03-2011, 04:13 PM	#11
miabellaamoure ♥YORKIERESCUE.com♥ Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Menifee, CA Posts: 8,708	So, if your dog got lost or worse, stolen...and you were able to locate him, how would you go about proving it was "your" dog? There is no denying the number on a microchip where not even the most recent photo's of your dog can always be used to identify a dog. oops...I read further down the road that you did decide to microchip...fantastic! __________________ Jo Ann Abby, Bella , Phoebe & Violette.... Last edited by miabellaamoure; 03-03-2011 at 04:15 PM.

03-03-2011, 10:52 PM	#13
SWHouston YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Houston, Tx. U.S.A. Posts: 1,537 Blog Entries: 1	Some of these posts may be helpful... http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/3445219-post13.html http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/3448480-post30.html http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/3449061-post38.html http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/3449558-post43.html Have a good Day ! S.W. __________________ Dogs know that you love them, weather you own them or not Mbrs of YT Teapot Club: SNEAKERS since Apr 2011, Ichabod SOON ! RIP my darling Becca.

03-04-2011, 04:02 AM	#14
tinypawsdesigns Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Oregon, USA Posts: 82	Chip Your Pets When I went to the vet, they used their reader and asked ME questions. They had the information because the chip reader provided them information to verify with me. Second, when you get a chip, (I chipped 7 at one time) the vet provides you with the information to register your chip and tells you to do so. You also have to let the company you get your chip with know your move address etc if you should do so. I got my yorkies after my initial chipping from a reputable breeder who chips their pets and also provides you with the information to register the chip. The object of the chip is to detect the true animal's owner (if lost or stolen) and if someone were to take your stolen pet into a vet after it has been stolen, then you could possibly get your pet returned to you. The readers that the vets have are to read all chips (frequencies), my vet says you do not need to know anything about the chip in your pet other than he/she is chipped and where they are chipped with (company) in order to keep them informed. They provide the readers to vets, aspca's, etc., Now, they have a reader for all chips. They check your pet when they are turned into the vet for a checkup etc., at the front to verify the owner. It is a good system. I for one am happy to have them. They do show up on x-ray's and they do not cause your pet any trouble. As I said I have pets that have had them in for 10 years. And some for 5 years, I do think it is an important thing to do. And if you have just one pet, it won't cost much to register. When I did 7, it was major. My pets when chipped did not even let out a peep.

03-03-2011, 03:02 PM	#2
alaskayorkie Banning Thread Dictator Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Anchorage Posts: 30,843 Blog Entries: 57	Absolutely, have her chipped. What's the harm? Yorkies end up in shelters all the time because they can't be reunited with their owners. To say Yorkies don't run off or get lost or stolen is, IMO, ignorant. Yorkies are dogs like any other and can run off with the worst of them. I thought my Yorkie was stolen recently, and the first question the officer had was "Do you have a microchip number?" He was going to have me alert all the vets in town, so the first time someone brought him in for a checkup or problem, they'd bust the thief. ID tags are great, but they can fall off. So can collars. Microchips are permanent. Do it, register the number, and keep it handy in case of an emergency. There are SOME systems that ask you to pay every year to keep her on a national registry, but even if you don't keep paying, at least you'll have the number that you can present to local vets and animal shelters. LOL, sorry, I keep adding to this: Some people also choose to tattoo their dogs. Just as permanent. __________________ Mike ~ Doting Dad to Jillie, Harper, Molly, Cooper, Eddie (RIP), Lucy (RIP), Rusty (RIP) and Jack (RIP). Check us out on YouTube Last edited by alaskayorkie; 03-03-2011 at 03:04 PM.

03-03-2011, 03:06 PM	#4
yorkietalkjilly ♥ Love My Tibbe! ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: D/FW, Texas Posts: 22,140	Microchip your dog and be safe. Tibbe had is and he is only 5.3 lbs with no site soreness ever and if he should ever get lost for whatever reason, I stand a better chance of seeing that darling little face again than if he is just lost and all on his own. And I for one would take a lost Yorkie to a vet to have it scanned! Should Animal Control pick your dog up, they will scan it. I do not pay a yearly fee, just keep the site updated. The yearly fee some pay I think is for injuries when lost, etc.

03-03-2011, 03:21 PM	#5
chatwizme Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: utah Posts: 44 Blog Entries: 1	Thank you for the input. I also read through another thread talking about micro-chipping. I had thought it was a large thing that was inserted but I guess it's the size of a grain of rice? I just called and made an appt for this Saturday to have her chipped. For some reason 'something' is telling me to have this done and I know from experience that I need to 'listen' to that 'still small voice'. Oh, if ANYTHING were to happen that would separate my little Sophie from me, I don't think I would survive. In the last two years I've lost my mother in law, my father, my brother, and my mother. Sophie has been there for me! Hubby of 40 yrs has too, but my Sophie? I NEED her loves!!!!! Thanks to all who keep this site going!

03-03-2011, 03:37 PM	#6
yorkietalkjilly ♥ Love My Tibbe! ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: D/FW, Texas Posts: 22,140	Please do chip. Plus I think its one of the best proofs of ownership you could present in court if there were ever any question whose dog she is. I hear it happens so I would take all the chances I could of ensuring her rapid return should the worst happen. And be sure to follow through and register/update the website yearly, etc. I keep all Tibbe's chip info in my phone and day planner and with me all the time.

03-03-2011, 03:43 PM	#7
IamMiasmom YT Addict Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Plattsmouth, NE Posts: 268 Blog Entries: 1	PLEASE chip your baby! Mia is 3# 11 oz. no she is not allowed off leash but what if someday some accidentally opens a door and she would go out and explore! She could be lost and that could be the only way she got home. I had her chipped when they did her spay. It didn't seem to have any effect on her, I can't feel it but know it is there. It's a birthmark so to speak that in the worst case can identify your little one and is proof they belong to you. Not cruel I promise, cruel to take a chance of loss.

03-03-2011, 03:44 PM	#8
Tayluvheryorkie Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Pooler, GA USA Posts: 200	I feel all pets need to be chipped. It a small thing to do.. Well worth it.

03-03-2011, 04:52 PM	#12
tinypawsdesigns Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Oregon, USA Posts: 82	Have em chipped. I had one taken out of my car off the car seat, while I was using a pay phone (pre-cells). I had all mine chipped the next day. Problem is, where you live, if... if your vet checks all pets coming in for chips, it is a good thing. When I lived in California, they were always checked. Here in Oregon, not at all. But, I think more an more are. Once they know you an your animal it won't be necessary, but a new person to a vet with an unknown dog should have a chip check. The readers to the vet are free and to the Aspca. I think it is a good thing. Years ago, I heard from someone that AKC was going to require micro-chipping all pets. It feels like a tiny grain of rice in their body. It doesn't bother them. It is best to be on the safe side.