The Good:
1. Permanent Identification
- microchip scanner provide a permanent way to identify your dog. Unlike collars or tags that can fall off or be removed, a microchip stays in place throughout your dog’s life.
2. Helps Reunite Lost Dogs with Their Owners
- One of the primary reasons for microchipping is to help reunite lost pets with their families. If a dog is picked up by animal control or brought to a vet, they’ll scan the microchip, identify the owner, and contact them.
3. Quick and Painless Procedure
- Implanting a dog chip reader is relatively quick, easy, and painless for your dog. The process is similar to a routine vaccine injection.
4. Affordable and Long-Lasting
- Microchipping is affordable and lasts for the lifetime of the dog, making it a cost-effective solution for pet identification.
- No need for regular replacements like collars or tags.
5. Supports Pet Safety and Legal Compliance
- In some areas, microchipping is required by law, and having a microchip makes it easier to prove ownership if someone tries to claim your dog.
A pet microchip scanner requires access to a Scanner. Although the scanner can be purchased on Amazon, usually only a professional such as those listed below can get access to the personal data associated with the chip.
A Chip Scam available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/40lmEHv
A microchip can be read by:
- Veterinarians – They have universal scanners in their clinics
- Animal shelters – Standard equipment at most shelters
- Animal control officers – They carry handheld scanners
- Some pet stores – Many larger chains have scanners
- Municipal pounds and rescue organizations
The scanner needs to be a universal scanner that can read multiple frequencies, as different brands of microchips operate on different frequencies (125 kHz, 128 kHz, or 134.2 kHz). The most common universal scanners can read all major microchip brands.
The reading process is simple and painless – the microchip scanner is passed over the animal’s skin like a wand, usually between the shoulder blades where chips are typically implanted. When it detects a chip, it displays the unique identification number on its screen.
Note that you can’t read a pet microchip with a smartphone or regular RFID reader – you need a specific pet microchip scanner. If you need to have a pet’s microchip scanner read, your local vet or shelter should be able to help, usually at no charge.
There are also dog doors that can be activated by recognizing the chip which is entered into the doors software.
An example on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3CiNtnqbelow is one type. There are many different types of feeders.
There are many different types and sizes to consider.
Another beneficial use for the chip is controlling dog feeders. If you have 2 dogs and one wants to eat all the food, the chip can control what is dispersed to each dog, based on the chip.
An example on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4aq1DzN
❌ The Bad:
1. Microchip Scanner Are Not GPS Trackers
- A common misconception is that microchips allow you to track your dog’s location in real-time. They do not. Microchips only provide identification when scanned. And even when scanned, only certain people can get the code interpreted.
2. Requires Access to a Scanner
- For the microchip to work, a vet, shelter, or animal control must have a microchip scanner. If your lost dog is found by someone without access to a scanner, the chip won’t be immediately helpful.
3. Potential for Migration or Malfunction
- While rare, microchips can migrate from the original implantation site or malfunction, making them harder to detect.
- This is why regular check-ups are advised to ensure the microchip is functioning correctly.
4. Privacy Concerns
- Some owners are uncomfortable with the idea of personal information being linked to a microchip.
- The chip stores owner contact details, and there’s a concern about data breaches or unauthorized access to this information.
5. Not a Replacement for Other Forms of ID
- Microchips are only useful if someone takes the time to scan the dog and follow through.
- Collars and tags are still essential for quick identification, as they don’t require special equipment.
Conclusion:
Should You microchip scanner for pets?
For most pet owners, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. Microchipping is a safe, reliable, and long-term method of ensuring your dog has permanent identification. However, it’s important to understand the limitations of a microchip and not rely on it as your only method of pet identification.
Visit https://www.dogwellnessworld.com/ to see more items for your dog’s health and happiness.