microchip

[mijpa]

went to class tonight and they gave us all a paper stating, for $15.00 we can have our dogs/cats microchipped. just wanted to know what you all thought about this, is this ok? is their any side effects to the dog? if this is good ,is this a good deal?

[KazRocks]

It is a good thing. The only drawback that I have found was the look on Kaz's face when he got it implanted. Most of the pounds/humaine socitites(sp) here use the same style of chip and decoder.

[Chantal]

I have this microchip in both of my Rottweilers. I keep the ID numbers for both, and the phone number to call in my wallet. (to use when we are on vacation). When you register, you also put an emergency contact phone number in case you cannot be reached. What if you're away and someone else is watching your dog, and can't be contacted. People will often bring a lost dog to a local vet, and the vets are suppose to scan them to see if they have this chip. I think the cost was $40 at the vet to have the implant put in, and then a registration fee of $20.

[kala]

I see you are in Phoenix (me too), so is the Microchip offer from CABRA? I had them implant chips in my dogs last year. It is the best peace of mind I could get for the $15 spent. I had been going back and forth on the idea of chipping but then decided it is one of the best ways to identify my dogs if they got loose or someone took them. One of my girls has a tumor on her neck so she can't wear a collar. My dogs had no reactions at all from the chip and I don't think they knew anything was done but shots.
I say go for it, it is worth the money spent.
sue

[mijpa]

Originally posted by kala
I see you are in Phoenix (me too), so is the Microchip offer from CABRA? I had them implant chips in my dogs last year. It is the best peace of mind I could get for the $15 spent. I had been going back and forth on the idea of chipping but then decided it is one of the best ways to identify my dogs if they got loose or someone took them. One of my girls has a tumor on her neck so she can't wear a collar. My dogs had no reactions at all from the chip and I don't think they knew anything was done but shots.
I say go for it, it is worth the money spent.
sue

yes it is from cabra

[kala]

When I had the chips done through CABRA they did a real good job. One of my dogs is semi dog aggressive and when I told them I would bring her in when it was our turn the vet just had me bring her to the corner of the building and she (the vet) went out and put the chip in. I liked the way they handled my dogs.
sue

[sophie's-mom]

Just an FYI, I have a microchip in my dog as well, BUT (ain't there always a but!) the only problem with the microchip is that not ALL vets/shelters/rescue organizations use the same reader. There is NO UNIVERSAL READER for these chips. The manufacturer makes a reader for THEIR chip only. So if you get an ABC Company chip, the XYZ Company reader that the vet in the next town uses that found your dog will not even know there is a chip IN YOUR DOG.

Sorry.

[Judy Chrusch]

My boy isn't microchipped but he is tattoed, so what ever you choose is a good idea and could be a lifesaver one day:D. Go for it.

Judy

[TrishB]

The chip we use in Canada is PetNet: http://www.petnet.ca/petnet_live/servlet/Index

The nice thing about it, is some municipalities recognize the chip in place of a dog license! :D So you may want to check into what is and is not accepted by your township. You may be able to save money!!

The problem with tattoos is that there isn't a central registry for them. They also tend to blur over time. Tattoos may be for the AKC, CKC, etc. or may be an individual breeders number or code. They're great when you're validating the number of a dog against their paperwork (i.e. for a show or breeding verification), but when you you're trying to identify the individual dog - tattoos fall short.

I adopted a little sheltie years ago from a shelter. She was tattooed, but they had no way to track her owners down. Their loss was my gain!

The chip doesn't degrade, is safe, hurts less than tattoos and is permanent.

It is VERY IMPORTANT to remember to UPDATE YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION IF YOU MOVE!! If your microchip company can't find you - your dog may end up in a high kill shelter with the rest of them. :(

[Maddiesgirl]

Feeling stupid, but can you feel the chip in them at all, and where is it implanted? My girl came with the chip (rescue) and I sent in the new information/registered. But I am curious WHERE it is. Anyone know?

[kala]

The chip is implanted between the shoulder blades or in that area. And no, you can't feel it. As strange as it sounds the reason I held off for so long getting my dogs done was it made my skin crawl thinking about something like that in them. But I have a friend who had me take his dog down and get her chipped and once I saw how easy it was, and that you couldn't feel it, I got used to the idea and now I'm happy I had it done. I will have all dogs I own chipped from now on.
sue

[mijpa]

Originally posted by kala
The chip is implanted between the shoulder blades or in that area. And no, you can't feel it. As strange as it sounds the reason I held off for so long getting my dogs done was it made my skin crawl thinking about something like that in them. But I have a friend who had me take his dog down and get her chipped and once I saw how easy it was, and that you couldn't feel it, I got used to the idea and now I'm happy I had it done. I will have all dogs I own chipped from now on.
sue

this will probably sound stupid, but i have to ask, is thier any chance of the chip moveing in their body?

[WorkinDogz]

Very, Very infrequently you will hear of a chip migrating. Very rare.

As for the scanners. The chips processed now will show up s "MICROCHIP IN PLACE" if the scanner is not designed to read that particular brand of microchip.

That's what makes the "Universal Scanners".

When you take your dogs in for their yearly exam; have the vet do a scan with the hospital scanner. Great piece of mind.

[mijpa]

thanks for everyone's input

[SarasMom]

Originally posted by mijpa
this will probably sound stupid, but i have to ask, is thier any chance of the chip moveing in their body?

Yes, if the chip is placed under the skin, it can migrate. Don't think it's a huge problem, but it does happen. I had my dogs chipped with the AVID chip about 2 years ago. My vet put it in the muscle in the shoulder blade area to prevent this possible migration. She scans them at every checkup anyway and the chips have not moved and the dogs have experienced no problems. :)

Chipping is well worth the piece of mind. You never know what can happen, any dog can get lost. Chipping is also the best way to prove your dog is yours if stolen. Please get it done and have your vet scan your dog at checkups. :)