RFID Pet Microchip Guide

News posted on: 25-12-09 - by kevin - Tag Encyclopedia,NEWS,RFID Tag USA RFID Tag Manufacturer / NewsID:283

RFID Pet Microchip Guide

I. What is a Pet Microchip?
A pet microchip is a tiny, rice-sized electronic device that uses Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. Implanted under the pet’s skin (typically between the shoulder blades), it contains a unique, unalterable identification number. This chip is passive, meaning it has no battery and only transmits data when scanned by a compatible reader.

II. How Does It Work?

1. Implantation: A veterinarian uses a sterile, pre-loaded syringe to inject the microchip under the pet’s skin. The procedure is quick, similar to a routine vaccination.

2. Scanning: If a lost pet is found, animal shelters, veterinary clinics, or animal control officers use a universal scanner. When the scanner passes over the pet, it emits a low-frequency radio wave that activates the chip.

3. Reading the Number: The chip sends back its unique ID number to the scanner.

4. Retrieving Information: The finder uses the ID number to search a national or regional pet recovery database to obtain the owner’s contact information.

III. Key Points About Microchipping

• Permanent Identification: Unlike collars or tags which can fall off, a microchip is a permanent form of ID.

• Not a GPS Tracker: The chip itself does not track your pet’s location. It is solely an identification device.

• Universal Standards: Most modern chips comply with the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) standard (11784/11785), allowing them to be read by scanners worldwide. Ensure your pet’s chip is ISO-compliant for international travel.

• Registration is Crucial: The microchip is only as useful as the registration information linked to it. You must register the chip number with your current contact details in a pet recovery database and keep this information updated.

IV. The Microchipping Process

1. Consult Your Veterinarian: Schedule an appointment. Your vet can discuss the procedure, chip types, and recommend a reliable registration database.

2. Implantation: The vet will scan the pet first to ensure no existing chip is present. After a quick injection, the chip is in place. The process causes minimal discomfort.

3. Immediate Scan: The vet will scan the area after implantation to verify the chip is working and to record the correct ID number.

4. Registration: You will receive paperwork with the chip ID number and instructions for registration. Complete the registration online or by phone immediately. There is often a fee for lifetime registration.

V. Maintaining Your Pet’s Microchip

• Annual Check: Ask your veterinarian to scan the chip during your pet’s annual check-up to ensure it is still functioning and has not migrated.

• Update Information: If you change your address, phone number, or ownership of the pet, you must immediately update the information in the database where the chip is registered. This is the owner’s responsibility.

VI. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Q: Is it safe? A: Yes. The procedure is very safe. The chip is biocompatible and rarely causes any adverse reaction.

• Q: Does it hurt? A: The injection is comparable to a standard vaccine. Most pets react very little.

• Q: Can the chip move inside my pet? A: It may migrate slightly from the implantation site over time, which is why annual scanning to check its location is recommended.

• Q: How long does it last? A: The chip is designed to last for the lifetime of your pet.

• Q: What information is on the chip? A: Only the unique ID number. No personal data is stored on the chip itself. All owner information is held securely in the external database.