microchip

**fashion victim** · #1 10-12-06, 11:28 pm

From what I gather, when a vet microchips a dog a little microchip is inserted by means of a needle, and this device transmits a signal so that if the dog runs away or is stolen then he/she can easily be traced through its signal.

Is it okay to microchip my dog? Our neighbor's puppy ran away and hasn't been found or returned even with a $200 reward (she was a pedigree Pug). My dog is a pure blooded Chihuahua and I know that if she escaped, whoever found her (if she wasn't killed by a car or a bigger dog first) will keep her and not give her back or turn her in at a shelter because aside from being absolutely gorgeous and an expensive breed (chihuahuas in most pet shops here sell for + $1,000), she is EXTREMELY friendly towards anything and anyone. I'd like to microchip her so that I can recover her easily if she escapes for some reason. Do you guys think this is OK for me to do?

I really am not interested in her worth, I just have her best interests at heart, because I'm POSITIVE that she wouldn't be treated or loved as well as she is in my house, and she has a few behaviour problems (destroying shoes, being a selfish pest, always wanting to be in my lap and stealing my and my other pet's food when we look the other way) which I know most other people would resolve by beating the hair out of the poor little dog. I never beat or even smack her softly. Whenever I get sufficiently mad at her actions I just do the Sssssttttt sound the dog whisperer makes and it works... at least, she cringes when she knows she's doing something I don't like, but she still does it.

**VoodooJoint** · #2 10-12-06, 11:38 pm

Microchipping is an extremely good idea for most pets. If she's young and hasn't been spayed yet you can have it done at the same time you spay her. That's what I did with my dogs.

Otherwise, it's really only a shot that inserts a chip the size of a grain of rice under the dog's skin near the neck/shoulder area.

A microchip is only as good as it's registration though. You must immediatly register the microchip and always keep the info updated.

EDIT, the chip does not transmit a signal that can be traced remotely. The chip must be scanned by a special scanner (vets, and shelters have them). The chip registration number shows up on the scanner and the chip company can be contacted to supply the owner's information.

It may be possible to get a small GPS (Global Positioning Systen) to attach to the collar. GPSs can be remotely traced.

**fashion victim** · #3 10-12-06, 11:40 pm

Yes, she's still a puppy and I plan to spay her as soon as possible before she gets her heat. How and where do you register the microchip, though? I thought the vet did it as part of the process. Does registering the chip cost extra?

**VoodooJoint** · #4 10-12-06, 11:42 pm

I edited my original post to please read it again.

The vet should help you register the chip. Registration is included in the cost.

**fashion victim** · #5 10-12-06, 11:46 pm

A GPS type is definetely what I'm looking for. Should I ask the vet for information when I visit him or are those not made for pets (you have to adapt them so they'll be pet-collar compatible?)

**VoodooJoint** · #6 10-12-06, 11:49 pm

I would try looking online and trying to find one. It won't be cheap though.

I don't know if P.R. has any but spy shops (surveilance/detective shops) would probably have them as well.

**fashion victim** · #7 10-12-06, 11:59 pm

Yes, there's spy booths AND shops in the malls right next to my house. As for the cost... I've never skimmed when it comes to my pet's well-being, and money isn't an issue when it comes to pet related things (though my dad always protests when I buy $80 Levi jeans or brand name clothing LOL). Even if my family does not approve of the very close relationship I have with my pets they still respect them as LIVING, FEELING creatures and they know just because they do not like having animals inside the house doesn't mean it's the animal's fault. Thanks for your help, I'll definitely look into it next time I go to the mall.

**littlebear** · #8 10-13-06, 12:47 am

Microchiping a dog is a wonderful thing to do, although it sadly does not get tracked remote.. but if can be scanned to get your info. Your vet should do the reg. But I don't think a GPS collar would do you that good because a dog stealer could always remove it.

**fashion victim** · #9 10-13-06, 12:54 am

Good point that I completely overlooked. However the microchip would be totally useless because as I said before if she is found no one will want to return her. People here are really dishonest when it comes to lost pets... any pure-blooded, or even a very pretty mutt can get stolen if lost or if left unattended in an unsupervised backyard. I had a very friendly 6 month old Doberman puppy on my other house, which had 3 acres of territory but no fencing and he was stolen (neighbors confirmed that he was taken by a car that drove up to the property limits and called the dog and when he responded they grabbed him and took off), and a friend of mine has lost both a Beagle and a German Shepherd when they escaped. Even so, I WILL microchip her just in case. Thank you for your advice!

**littlebear** · #10 10-13-06, 12:58 am

But its still great to microchip because in the event you find the dog and the person who has her denies that its your dog you can demand she be taken to a humane society and be scanned. You can do a police report if the person refuses. :]

**fashion victim** · #11 10-13-06, 01:03 am

! Another great point! Yes, I'll microchip her as soon as possible!

**Bellebelle** · #12 10-13-06, 02:09 am

Our dogs are microchipped, it is an excellent thing. A while ago, some idiot came up to our house and demanded we return Latte. Apparently his purebred maltese had been "stolen" and as he very well knew, we were the only owners of a purebred maltese (He's a rescue, but a while ago hes first owners mailed us his paper,s no idea why, we didnt want em) within a 20 km radius, Latte therefore must be his. As he was microchipped, we quickly proved he was our pup. The guys dog turned up a while later, it'd simply run away.

Emma

**Matt & Guins** · #13 10-13-06, 05:49 am

Here in australia, all dogs MUST be microchipped. It is an invaluable thing to have, and really will help a lost animal find its way back home much easier.

Definately get it done.

Matt

**cookie_gal** · #14 10-13-06, 06:13 am

Just remember chipping is not a definate that your dog will be returned. Here in the UK last year, I remember a report that said dog-nappers had been trying to remove the chips!!! But certainly do get your dog chipped as sooo many have been returned as a result of being scanned. It should be compulsary all over the world.

Also of interest that I found March 2005_ so make sure you get a chip that is read by universal scanners!

**piggly wiggly** · #15 10-13-06, 09:30 am

All of my dogs are chipped. If a dog goes missing you notify all vets offices and shelters of the number and discription of the dog, they will keep it on file. If the dognappers keep the dog, they might take it to a vet sometime and it will be found out then. There are no guarantees in life, but it's always good to be prepared. There are usually some people out there that are honest and will help return the dog.

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