What is a microchip?
A microchip is a tiny, injectable electronic device (essentially a computer chip) that has a unique identification number programmed into it. It is small enough to fit into a hypodermic needle and is injected under the skin in the same way an animal receives a vaccination. It provides a safe and permanent identification for your pet.
Local shelters and veterinary facilities use scanners that read microchip numbers. If your pet is turned in without external identification, the scanner is then used to determine if a microchip is implanted. If a number is detected, the database is contacted. If the number is registered to the current owner, then the company will attempt to contact the registrant.
Our hospital currently uses the AVID (American Veterinary Identification Devices) System. The scanners for this product are interchangeable with the Home Again System, the other largest national microchip manufacturer. For more information on AVID, check out their website at www.avidid.com.
IMPORTANT! Please read if you are planning on taking your pet overseas:
The microchips manufactured here is the United States can sometimes not be read by scanners used in other countries. If you are planning on taking your pet with you to another country, contact the embassy and inquire about the requirements for microchipping. You may have to special order an ISO compatible microchip OR purchase a scanner that can be read upon your arrival if your pet already has a microchip implanted.
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