Microchip or Tatoo??

[Grendl]

Where is the micro-chip placed? Do all vet, shelters and rescue organizations place the chip in the same anatomical spot? Does anyone know? Otherwise you might have to scan all over the dog.

[Miabella]

It is generally placed at the base of the neck between the shoulder blades. I believe that some of the first chips were prone to migration, so sometimes you have to scan all over. However, I believe that the migration problem has been solved and you no longer have to worry about that with the chips currently on the market.

[KRISSIE]

Hi all, Check this out, I called my vet and she does not do the microchip.. , so now I need to find someone who will, I asked her if she knew anyone but she doesn't .
Does anyone have the name or number of a nationwide microchip company that I can get in touch with, I figured I'll call them and ask if they can refer someone to me in my area that will do the microchip for me..

Thanks...

[rott60827]

You can also try contacting any local animal shelter. Many off microchipping clinics. The cost of the chipping is usually less than the vet.

[Miabella]

Hi Krissie,

You can search for a Home Again vet on the AKC website.

[KRISSIE]

Thanks Barb, I'll give the ASPCA a call, maybe they can do it for me. ;)

[KRISSIE]

Thanks Miabella. :D

[SABELLESMOM]

I believe I remember paying $45.00, including the resistration fee, to have Digbee done.

(The microchip was included in the fee for the dog with my brother's dog from the shelter. It was also included as part of the total cost from the breeder for our Sable)

>>Our puppy will be microchipped by the breeder berfor we bring her home.
>>The days are flying by....Sept 21st!

HOW WONDERFUL! We brought Sable home last year this time. What a wonderful experience! Funny, too as you remember things they did that first car ride home...that they still do.

[TrishB]

I recommend 3 modes of identification:

1) Microchip - all shelters and vets have scanners, they'll find your exact information (as long as you keep it up to date - that's your responsibility) with them.
Pros: It's exact, precise and permanent
Cons: Without a scanner, it's useless

2) Tattoo - so that someone finding your dog knows that the dog is registered somewhere - it's a visual que that someone loves this dog
Pros: It's visual and is permanent
Cons: There's no blanket, central phone number to call, "Joe Schmoe" wouldn't know a breeder tattoo from a registry tattoo, etc.

3) A collar with the dogs name and your phone number (either stitched into the collar or a tag - that way the person finding your dog has an instant way to contact you. The sooner the better!
Pros: It's instant identification!
Cons: They can lose it.

By having all 3, you've covered all of your bases to help "Joe Schmoe" who found your dog find you, all the way up to the vet or shelter! Better safe than sorry.

So go for all 3! :D