Here in Pima County, at every major collection point for lost and stray animals, and at most veterinary offices, there is equipment that is used to detect, read and decode microchips in animals. Armed with that information, a person can access a 24-hour data base and determine to whom a lost pet belongs, how to contact that person, how to contact an alternate person, and how to contact that animalís veterinarian. The microchips are unique, and once they are implanted, they cannot be tampered with or removed. For this reason, a microchip may be used as indisputable legal proof of ownership, as well as a device to return a lost pet to their worried and distraught family.
A microchip is essentially a very small radio transmitter encased in a rice-shaped and rice-sized bead of medical-grade glass. The microchip is implanted through a needle in a process similar to the administration of a vaccine. The microchip will only send a unique coded alphanumerical signal when a microchip-reading device is passed over the chip. Otherwise, the chip sits there quietly between the shoulder blades and does not react or interact with its animal host.
Microchips can be implanted at the Central Animal Hospital as an outpatient procedure. Typically, we implant microchips without the use of any anesthesia, and our patients show no more discomfort than they would with the administration of a vaccine. We have implanted similar microchips in birds as small as two ounces of body weight without the need for anesthesia. Of course, we can always implant a microchip during an anesthetic procedure (such as a dental, neuter, or spay) if that is what our client prefers.
Once a microchip is implanted, it is registered with a central database administered by the American Kennel Club. This database registers all species of pet animals, and one registration is valid for the entire life of that animal. If some of the information changes over time, such as a new address, the registered owner only needs to telephone and update the database. These updates are done at no cost.
This system is great, and it is far superior to a collar and tag. Pets lose collars, and collars may be removed maliciously when an animal is stolen, but a microchip cannot be lost or removed. The microchip goes everywhere with your pet, and it potentially can bring your loved one back home.
Michael S. Samuels, D.V.M.
Central Animal Hospital
