Determining Whether a Dog Has a Microchip

Microchips implanted in dogs are tiny passive radio transmitters, roughly the size of a grain of rice, which are inserted beneath the skin above the shoulder blades. Each microchip possesses a unique identification number, registered on an official centralized database alongside details about the dog, the owner's name, address, and contact numbers. When a scanner is passed over the microchip, the unique number is detected and displayed on the scanner. Identifying if a dog has a microchip is particularly useful if you encounter a stray dog and need to locate the owner.

Inspect the dog's collar for a tag indicating the presence of a microchip. Some manufacturers provide metal tags to attach to the dog's collar, indicating that it is microchipped. These tags serve as a visual deterrent to potential thieves and also inform anyone who finds the dog that it has a microchip for scanning. If there is no official ID tag on the collar, look for a custom collar tag stating 'I am microchipped' or similar wording. Note that this tag is solely to alert people to the presence of a microchip and does not contain personal information.

If the dog is without a collar or lacks a tag, try to gently feel for the presence of the microchip. These chips, encased in perspex coats resembling grains of rice, are typically implanted under the skin at the centerline between the shoulder blades. Begin by running your fingertips over this area, applying slight pressure to detect the firm object under the skin. Microchips may shift slightly from their original position, so methodically cover the skin between the shoulders and neck to increase the chance of detection. However, it's essential to note that the absence of detection does not guarantee the dog is without a microchip, as it could be present but undetectable due to migration or deep embedding.

Regardless of collar tags or physical detection, it's advisable to scan the dog for a definitive answer regarding microchip presence. This step is particularly crucial when attempting to reunite a lost dog with its owner.

Utilizing Professional Scan

X-ray the dog. Microchips show up on x-ray. While this is not routinely used as a method to check if a chip is present, in cases where a chip was implanted and has stopped working, taking a radiograph of the dog is a quick and easy way to check the chip is still in place but not working.

Before proceeding, confirm the scanner's functionality by activating it and passing it over a test chip. A working scanner will emit a sound and display a number. If the batteries are depleted, the display will either remain inactive or show a 'low battery' message. If the scanner fails to detect a microchip within a specified timeframe, it will indicate 'no chip found.'

Activate the scanner and hold it approximately one inch above the dog's skin. Scan the area from the shoulders to the neck and then from side to side. Note the displayed number when the scanner identifies a microchip.

• Microchip scanning can be done at most veterinary clinics. If you have found a stray dog, take it to a local veterinarian to get scanned.
• Microchips are also a great way of proving ownership. Your veterinarian or an animal welfare officer can implant the chip and put your information into the database. This process means the pet is officially registered with your details. The database then issues the owner a certificate, which has a copy of the details and a password. Thus, the only person capable of changing the registered details is the owner in possession of a valid password. This means that if your dog is stolen and then spotted by the police, the results of scanning the microchip can prove that you own that animal.