Microchipping is a reliable method for identifying pets, but owners often have questions about its safety, lifespan, and international standards. In this section, we answer the most common questions about microchips.
How safe is microchipping?
Yes, microchipping is absolutely safe for your pet.
✔ Hypoallergenic material – The microchip casing is made of special biocompatible glass or polymer that does not cause rejection.
✔ Battery-free – The microchip operates using passive RFID technology that is activated only when scanned.
✔ Small size – A standard microchip measures 12×2 mm or 8×1.4 mm (mini), so the pet does not feel it.
✔ Painless implantation procedure – It is performed quickly, without the need for anesthesia, similar to a standard subcutaneous injection.
Can a microchip cause any side effects?
Side effects are extremely rare. In isolated cases, the following may occur:
❌ Mild swelling or redness at the implantation site (usually subsiding within a few days).
❌ Minimal risk of chip migration (in very rare cases, the chip may shift slightly under the skin).
However, if the procedure is performed by a professional veterinarian, the risks are minimal.
How long does a microchip work?
✅ A microchip lasts a lifetime!
Since it contains no battery or moving parts, it does not require replacement. The built-in microcircuit has a lifespan of over 25 years, which generally exceeds the lifespan of most pets.
Can a microchip break or stop working?
This happens extremely rarely. In less than 0.01% of cases, a microchip may fail due to:
🔹 A manufacturing defect (which is usually detected by scanning after implantation).
🔹 Physical damage (if the pet experiences severe trauma).
If in doubt, you can have the microchip checked at a veterinary clinic.
Which international standards are used for microchips?
Microchips operate in accordance with the ISO 11784/11785 standard, which is accepted in most countries worldwide.
🔹 Standard microchips have a 15-digit number that starts with a unique country or manufacturer code.
🔹 Some older microchip models may be 8- or 9-digit, but their use is limited (less than 1% of the market).
If you plan to travel abroad with your pet, make sure its microchip complies with ISO 11784/11785 for scanning in international databases.
Can a microchip track a pet’s location?
❌ No, a microchip is not a GPS tracker. It does not have a battery and does not transmit a signal.
✔ It can only be scanned at close range with a veterinary or specialized RFID scanner.
If you need a device to track your pet's movements, you should use a GPS tracker or BLE beacon.
Do you need to register a microchip?
Yes! A microchip without registration is just a set of numbers without any practical benefit.
For a microchip to perform its function, it must be registered in an international database.
🌍 Animal-ID.net – international database.
8. What should you do if the microchip is not found in the database?
🔹 Make sure that the number is entered correctly during the search.
🔹 Use the global search here
🔹 If the microchip is not found, register it yourself on Animal-ID.net.
Conclusion
✅ A microchip is a safe, durable, and internationally recognized method of pet identification.
✅ Always register your microchip so that it can be used to locate a lost pet.
✅ Ensure that your microchip complies with the ISO 11784/11785 standard for international use.