Why Microchip Your Pet?
Having your pet microchipped is one of the most secure ways to protect
your pet. Microchips provide your pet with a permanent form of identification
that cannot be lost, altered or become worn and unreadable. California
(and many other states) require by law that shelters scan every animal
that comes through the door for a microchip. While we recommend your pets
wear standard pet ID tags at all times, read on to find out the benefits
of microchipping your pets as well!
Anyone can have their pet microchipped at their local vet: click here for local vet listings. If you are having your pet spayed or neutered in our SNiP program, or are adopting a pet from us, ask to have them microchipped too! We also offer free microchipping for Pit Bulls from our service cities & Altadena..
Success Overseas
Did you know that in Europe, permanent companion animal identification
is mandatory? For dozens of years tattoos have been required and now microchips
are being used as an easier, more accurate and humane option. Statistics
from the English National Dog Warden Association show in 2001 that 73,230
were dogs impounded, 12,966 (18%) returned directly to the owner, 24,391
(33%) claimed by their owner from kennels. This indicates 51% of dogs
are being returned to owners (RTO) in England. Overall, the United States
has a 14% national RTO rate, and while the Pasadena Humane Society in
2001 had a 27% RTO rate for dogs, we were only able to RTO 2% of all cats.
What is a Microchip?
A microchip is a tiny, totally inert electronic transponder about
the size of a grain of rice. The chip is implanted into an animal using
a hypodermic needle, in the scruff of the neck, in the skin between the
pet's shoulder blades. This procedure takes seconds, does not require
anesthesia and is as comfortable as a typical vaccination shot. The microchip
remains inactive until read with a scanner. Scanners send a low-radio-frequency-signal
to the chip, providing the power needed by the microchip to send its unique
ID code back to the scanner with the animal's ID number. After implantation,
the device remains with the animal for life.
Owners must register their ID number with a microchip registration service, like the non-profit Companion Animal Recovery service provided by the AKC. CAR stores the owner's contact information in a database, which is accessible 24 hours a day through an 800 number.