Micro chip? Can you tell me....?
 

I've been hearing a lot about getting your pets micro chipped. I've also been hearing about the rise in puppy thefts.

Can anyone tell me if getting the micro chip will help locate a puppy if it is stolen? I guess I'm really not sure how they work. Thanks for your input!;)

Unfortunately, the microchip does not have GPS.

Although, it does show proof of ownership. If your little furbaby gets out and lost, if (big if) someone brings him to the pound, or a vet, they use a handheld scanner to see if there is a chip, the chip has your information on it and they can contact you. There have been stories of stolen pet ending up at the pound, and when they are scanned, they can find the true owner. A collar and tag can be taken off or lost, but the chip can't be.

A microchip can definitely help......IF your Yorkie ends up somewhere that has AND USES a microchip scanner that is up to date. That does not always happen, but chipping is a tool that is widely used and can be successful. In addition to chipping, one should always have current ID on the dog ANYTIME it is out of your sight (even in your yard) or out of your home at all.
Not all scanners will detect all chips, so that can be a problem.
The very best protection you have for your pup is your constant diligence.
They are small, agile, tenacious, and of course very desirable and easy to grab, so you are the number one defense for your baby.

Does anyone know under what circumstances a vet would scan a pet? For instance, what if someone came in with a pet and said they 'found' it? Would they scan it? And what about if it's a puppy and you say you just bought it? Would they scan or take your word for it? Pardon my ignorance, but I'm really curious! :animal-pa

I think the microchip is great if your dog is lost, but I agree with another member who says if their stolen you couldn't find them.

I'm not sure, but I bet if your chipped Yorkie was stolen, and then you posted fliers at all local vet offices, they would be inclined to scan every Yorkie that came in.

I totally agree. If your baby is stolen you should contact every living being you can think of, post pictures and info on EVERY corner, call the animal control, newspapers, radio, vets, groomers and believe it or not, the airports,bus and train stations. Also contact any feed stores and pet stores, like Petsmart and Petco, and put info up on thier boards.
If one of my kids went missing I would NEVER GIVE UP THE SEARCH.

Microchipping definitely helps, even if it has nothing to do with theft and you just happen to leave your garage door open or he just dashes out the front door and he gets lost, maybe some kind soul will pick him up and take him to the nearest shelter. They will check for the microchip and hopefully call you to pick your pup up.

Some vets do automatically scan them when they first see the new pet no matter what. Others, unfortunately might not. I agree with posting flyers with vets so they can get a picture of your dog so they could possibly recognize them. You know that time when the vet takes your baby to the other room for those couple minutes to weigh them or do a fecal? It's while they have them back there that they do the scanning especially if something seems fishy. Also, that's one more reason why I like the tattooing because any vet with eyes would see it :p It's like a back up plan

I wish microchips had GPS! I would be all over that! lol But really they're as helpful as a collar w/ tags or tattoo, it really depends on who finds/takes the dog and who decides to ignore the id. It's a sad world when someone can actually sleep at night knowing they have someone elses baby.:(

Another issue with the microchipping is that there are several different brands/types. So if a humane society or vet only has one type of scanner, say for example, we only have an Avid scanner and a dog comes in with an unreadable Home Again or european type chip. In that scenerio we have nothing but a chip we can't read and dog who really wants to just go home. Now, there are 'universal scanners' available and our facility is looking into purchasing one but they are extremely expensive.

all my babies are all microchipped to ensure that they are safe home w/ me and if they get lost or stolen you are more likly to recover them back with it than w/o it. :p

microchips
 

My vet here in East Tennessee and the local shelter and rescue groups always scan for a chip. My vet has a scanner that reads all the chips and she would scan any dog she thought might not be with it's rightful owner. She is very perceptive! I recently took a dog my groomer found running loose to my vet for a scan. Sadly the dog didn't have a chip, but she is doing well with my groomer. She will be well cared for until they can find a new home for her. I have my dogs microchipped, but agree that we are the best protection our furkids can have. Someone stealing a dog won't let anyone check for a chip. Microchips are invaluable though if the dog is lost and you want to prove ownership.

but ive heard that every machine can detect if there is a chip, so even if its not the right brand they know it has a chip

Wow, thanks for all the info! This really helps!:)

Can anyone give me a ballpark on how much it costs to get this done? Is this something I need to save up for? (thousands?) Just so I can plan!;)

I heard this too....

definately not "a lot"....We have AKC CAR.
And if you go to a clinic with them *at a shelter*, it's very cheap ($9.00?)
http://www.akccar.org/shelters/clinics/index.cfm



When I purchased Bentley...*God, that sounds like I'm purchasing a human for some reason - :( *...he already had one. I think it\'s becoming a trend to have the micro-chip implanted out here *CA* soon after they are born.