What Is a Pet Microchip and How Does It Work?

Identifying your pet with a microchip or a tattoo is a legal requirement in many countries. Discreet and effective, the microchip ensures that your pet can be found in the event of loss. Find out all you need to know about this electronic identification system with Air Transport Animal!

What Is a Microchip for Pets?

The microchip is a pet identification device. This chip replaces the traditional tattoo identification. About the size of a grain of rice and placed under the skin, it electronically contains the identification information of your pet. This electronic system is hypoallergenic, that is to say, it does not cause allergies to animals.

How Do Pet Microchips Work?

Like an identification number, the information contained in the chip makes it possible to identify your pet by means of a database which contains the important information related to the animal. The owner’s contact information is also contained in the microchip.

When a microchip reader passes over it, it transmits your pet’s identification number and gives access to the information stored in the database.

Why Put a Microchip on Your Pet?

For Permanent and Reliable Identification

Unlike collars or tags, which can be lost or removed, microchips offer a permanent identification solution. It is implanted under the animal’s skin and remains in place throughout its life.

To Find Your Lost Pet Fast

If your pet gets lost or runs away, the microchip makes it easier to find your pet. Most veterinarians, animal shelters and rescue centers have a microchip reader for animals. Thus, if you lose your dog, cat, ferret or other pet, you’ll have a much better chance of finding it thanks to this microchip.

A Requirement to Travel Abroad

In many countries, microchip identification is compulsory for certain animals, such as dogs, cats and ferrets. Complying with these regulations will help you avoid fines and guarantee your pet’s protection.

“Chipping” your pet is often imperative for traveling with your pet within and outside of the European Union (EU). In addition, it is required to obtain a European passport for your pet as well as for plane trips, so that your pet can be identified when necessary.

A Quick and Inexpensive Procedure

Microchipping is quick, painless and reasonably priced. It is a small investment that can make a big difference in the event of unforeseen circumstances and for your future trips abroad.

 How Much Does It Cost?

The cost of microchip identification generally varies between 40 and 80 euros, depending on the veterinarian and geographical location. The cost includes:

• The microchip implantation: a quick, painless procedure performed during a visit to the vet.
• The registration in a national database: this enables the unique microchip number to be associated with the owner’s details.

In some cases, it can be combined with other treatments (such as vaccination or sterilization), which can influence the total cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can My Pet Be Located with the Microchip?

No, a microchip cannot be used to locate an animal in real time. Unlike a GPS, it does not contain a geolocation device. The microchip is a passive identifier: when it is scanned, it transmits your pet’s identification number, enabling veterinarians, shelters or competent services to contact you.

What Do I Do if My Pet Microchip Stops Working?

A faulty microchip is rare, but it can happen. If you think your pet’s microchip has stopped working, we recommend that you consult your vet. He or she will be able to check it with a microchip reader. If the chip is in fact inactive, a new microchip will have to be implanted and the information will need to be updated in the database.

Can Other Types of Animals (Birds, Reptiles, etc.) Be Microchipped?

Yes, microchip identification can be performed on animals other than dogs and cats. It is in fact common for rabbits, ferrets, exotic birds and even some reptiles. For these animals, implantation may require specific adjustments according to their size and anatomy.