To microchip or not to microchip, that is the question

[SET Yorkies]

I absolutely think you should microchip. We implant every puppy and have seen some awesome results. We've had two puppies lost by new owners (one during Hurricane IKE) and both were recovered. One was quite a ways from home, so it certainly works well.

As far as pain, some dogs react for just a moment and others act as if nothing has happened. I don't believe there is a need to have the dog under unless that is something already planned. Although the needle is large, the reaction is no different than inoculations. We've never had a problem with infections or any other adverse reactions to the implant.

We use Home Again, but there are several companies out there including AKC pet recovery service.

[ritzydaisy]

We got the microchip during Daisy's spay at 6 months. It makes me feel so much better knowing that she always has some kind of identification if her tags were to be lost. If they are ever lost or stolen, you have a way to prove they belong to you. The vet charged $40.

We have HomeAgain. It is $15 per year. They also have an option of signing up to be notified if there is a lost dog in your area (that is on the HomeAgain program). They send out an email, so you can be on the lookout, too!

[lechy02]

Motley was microchipped the same time he was neutered, under the vet's recommendation, and I'm glad I did it is a good size needle. We used Avid and the cost of the microchipping was only $20. I then had to pay an additional $20 to register the number. A small price to pay if my baby was ever lost. He was six months old at the time, he's now 14 months old and we haven't had any issues at all with the chip

[Patti]

I would absolutely do it. I had Cali and Roxie done when they were put under for their spaying. Maya and Pixie who was 3 1/2lbs were chipped while awake and the vet said that neither of them even flinched. We just had a stray cat in our neighborhood that was super friendly and kept coming around. SOme of the neighbors were feeding it and it started staying on porches at night. So I gave then one of my dog carriers and they got him in it and I ran him to Banfield and they scanned him and he was chipped, registered to an animal shelter in Chicago (1 hour away). They were closed by the time we found out the number from AVID chip phone line so another neighbor kept him in his garage overnight. The next day we got a hold of the shelter and they said the cat had been adopted out to a family about 5 blocks from us but across a major street. They contacted them and they came and got him. They said they let him come and go but we haven't seen him since so I am hoping the shelter told them they couldn't let him out anymore. So chips do work!

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by ritzydaisy

We got the microchip during Daisy's spay at 6 months. It makes me feel so much better knowing that she always has some kind of identification if her tags were to be lost. If they are ever lost or stolen, you have a way to prove they belong to you. The vet charged $40.

We have HomeAgain. It is $15 per year. They also have an option of signing up to be notified if there is a lost dog in your area (that is on the HomeAgain program). They send out an email, so you can be on the lookout, too!

We have Home Again also, but it was a one time fee, not yearly. Is it because you chose the program for notification of lost dogs in your area you have to pay yearly? Once you enter the Home Again ID number it is there for life, so make sure these additional services are worth it to you.

[yorkiejunkie]

Tatoo's become hard to read, over time. A chip stays readable indefinitely.
I believe a chip is less painful. We chip before the pups leave for their *forever*home. They are easily recoverable, if the are lost, and you have proof of ownership, if hevean forbid, they are STOLEN!!!
So to chip or not to chip.....................CHIP

[RachelandSadie]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

I think it's about one of the safest procedures there is, and millions of dogs have been returned to their owners because of it. The best time is during spaying a neutering when they are out anyway. It's probably more important if you live in a big city rather than a small town, but if you plan to travel with your dog, it will give you a little extra piece of mind. If you decide to do it, don't put the chip number on a tag she is wearing, if she's stolen, you don't want the thieves to even know that she has a chip. Many dogs are returned because someone takes them to the vet, and he discovers the chip.

that is exactly why i wanted to do this. my mom is anti chipping because she believes it will lead to people wanting to chip their children and she think that is terribly wrong.

i don't think i would ever consider doing that to my child, but a dog is different and i would want her back if she's stolen and i know when they screw up and take her to the vet or something there's a better chance of her coming back to me

[JMuedog]

I say yes! I've read articles on the concerns, but with the number of animals that have been microchipped without problems I say benefits outweighed the risks.

Gwenndilyn didn't even flinch when she had the microchip put in, but Finnigan yipped a little. Finnigan had no side effects. Gwenndilyn had a little swelling at the injection site.

[RachelandSadie]

one more question. are ALL microchips that come from a licensed vet linked to the same network so a vet can scan and call ONE number and find out your information??

or do different brands of chips have different hotlines?

[yorkiejunkie]

Originally Posted by RachelandSadie

one more question. are ALL microchips that come from a licensed vet linked to the same network so a vet can scan and call ONE number and find out your information??

or do different brands of chips have different hotlines?

There are 2 "frequency's" that are used in chip, all but the oldest readers can read both. Then you can contact the database.
No, there is not one phone number for all. The chips I use, come with a tag ( I don't use the tag, bc my critters don't wear collars)

[RachelandSadie]

Originally Posted by yorkiejunkie

There are 2 "frequency's" that are used in chip, all but the oldest readers can read both. Then you can contact the database.
No, there is not one phone number for all. The chips I use, come with a tag ( I don't use the tag, bc my critters don't wear collars)

so if the vet scans your chip and gets an ID number, does that bring up your phone number and name too or how do they find out which ID belongs to which human??

i'm really confused about this

[Britster]

Originally Posted by RachelandSadie

so if the vet scans your chip and gets an ID number, does that bring up your phone number and name too or how do they find out which ID belongs to which human??

i'm really confused about this

Yep

When she gets chipped, you usually have to register online, or your vet does this for you. You put all your information when logging in to your chip provider's website. Your name, your number, your address, etc. When a pet is scanned at a vet's office, all of your information will come up.

[Cerise]

Originally Posted by lovespandp

Yup Peanut has had his for 2 years and I never had a problem with it..


It was funny one time he had X-RAYS and I saw it, it looked like a grain of rice..and I tottaly forgot and I was like OMG What is that!!! Haha the vet looked at me like " uhh his mircochip" lol

too funny!!!

[chachi]

I got mine done when they were spayed and neutered. I am glad I did

[jacquelinebabco]

I have had 3 of the 4 chiped with Home Again. The 4th will be done when he is old enough to be nutered. I just feel more secure should they get stolen or somehow get loose.