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What is a Microchip and How Does It Work?

A microchip is a small electronic device implanted under a pet's skin for identification. It does not contain a battery and operates using RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology.

Updated over a year ago

How Does a Microchip Work?

Implantation

  • A microchip is inserted under the pet's skin using a special syringe. It is typically implanted between the shoulder blades.

  • The procedure is quick, safe, and almost painless.

Microchip Composition

  • The microchip itself is a tiny electronic module, approximately 12 × 2 mm (standard) or 8 × 1.4 mm (mini).

  • It is encased in a biocompatible material (such as glass or polymer) to prevent rejection by the pet’s body.

Reading Information

  • When a veterinarian or authorized person scans the chip using an RFID scanner, the microchip is activated by the scanner's radio waves.

  • The microchip transmits a unique 15-digit code, which appears on the scanner's screen.

  • This code does not contain personal owner information.

Database Registration

  • The microchip’s unique identifier is registered in an international or local database along with the owner's contact information.

  • If a pet is lost, any veterinarian or shelter can scan the microchip, find the code in the database, and contact the owner.

Additional Features:

  • Temperature microchips – capable of measuring the pet’s temperature when scanned.

Benefits of Microchipping:

✔ Permanent identification (cannot be lost like a collar)

✔ Makes it easier to return lost pets

✔ Helps control stray populations

✔ Essential for international travel

A Microchip Is NOT a GPS Tracker!

  • A microchip does not have a battery and does not transmit the pet's location.

  • It works using passive RFID technology, meaning it only activates when scanned. It cannot send signals over a distance or track the pet's movements in real time.

  • If owners need a tracking device, they should use a GPS tracker or BLE beacon, which runs on a battery and can send location data to a mobile app.

More details can be found here

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