How Does a Microchip Work?
Implantation
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A microchip is inserted under the pet's skin using a special syringe. It is typically implanted between the shoulder blades.
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The procedure is quick, safe, and almost painless.
Microchip Composition
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The microchip itself is a tiny electronic module, approximately 12 × 2 mm (standard) or 8 × 1.4 mm (mini).
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It is encased in a biocompatible material (such as glass or polymer) to prevent rejection by the pet’s body.
Reading Information
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When a veterinarian or authorized person scans the chip using an RFID scanner, the microchip is activated by the scanner's radio waves.
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The microchip transmits a unique 15-digit code, which appears on the scanner's screen.
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This code does not contain personal owner information.
Database Registration
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The microchip’s unique identifier is registered in an international or local database along with the owner's contact information.
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If a pet is lost, any veterinarian or shelter can scan the microchip, find the code in the database, and contact the owner.
Additional Features:
- Temperature microchips – capable of measuring the pet’s temperature when scanned.
Benefits of Microchipping:
✔ Permanent identification (cannot be lost like a collar)
✔ Makes it easier to return lost pets
✔ Helps control stray populations
✔ Essential for international travel
A Microchip Is NOT a GPS Tracker!
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A microchip does not have a battery and does not transmit the pet's location.
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It works using passive RFID technology, meaning it only activates when scanned. It cannot send signals over a distance or track the pet's movements in real time.
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If owners need a tracking device, they should use a GPS tracker or BLE beacon, which runs on a battery and can send location data to a mobile app.
More details can be found here