Microchips are the best way to ensure a happy reunion between a missing pet and their family, yet many pet owners are hesitant to schedule a microchipping procedure for their furry pal. Misconceptions and myths abound about microchips in pets, so our Memorial Animal Hospital team is here to clear up any confusion and answer your questions about these important devices.

Myth: Microchips can track your pet’s location

Truth: This is one of the most common microchip misconceptions, but GPS tracking is not a current feature and your pet’s location cannot be tracked through their microchip. Some microchips indicate a pet’s temperature when their chip is scanned, which eliminates the need to take a sick pet’s rectal temperature or a healthy pet’s dermal temperature.

Myth: Microchips vary in size according to your pet’s size

Truth: No matter a pet’s breed, whether a tiny Chihuahua or a gargantuan Great Dane, they all receive the same size microchip. The size of the needle used to insert the microchip may vary, but all microchips are about the size of a grain of rice.

Myth: Microchip implantation requires that pets be sedated

Truth: In rare cases, a pet is so wiggly or anxious that they need a mild sedative to quiet them down so we can quickly insert the microchip. These pets may be sedated with oral medication at home, or microchipped when they need anesthesia for another procedure, such as a spay, neuter, or a dental cleaning.

The vast majority of pets, however, do not require any sedation and simply distracting them with food and petting is typically enough time for our team to quickly insert their chip.

Myth: Microchipping is painful for pets

Truth: The microchipping process is similar to a vaccination. We attach a syringe containing the microchip to a needle—albeit, one slightly larger than vaccines require—the needle is gently inserted under the skin between the shoulder blades, and the microchip is implanted. While your pet may flinch or whine, microchipping is no more uncomfortable than a vaccination. With tasty treats and plenty of praise, your pet likely won’t notice.

Myth: Microchips in pets share your personal information

Truth: A microchip is linked to your contact information, but scanning does not provide your details. Instead, scanning displays a unique identification number that is kept in a microchip registry search tool, and shows only the microchip’s registration company. When the registration company is contacted, the missing pet’s owner is called, and no personal information is transferred.

One important note—you must keep your contact information with the microchip registration company current to ensure you can be reached if your lost pet is found. A microchip does not need batteries and will last your pet’s lifetime, but must be linked with the correct phone number and address to be effective.

Myth: Microchips mean anyone can track your pet

Truth: We’ve already established that microchips do not provide GPS tracking capabilities, and they also cannot be read by just anyone. Microchip scanners can be pricey, and typically are available only at veterinary hospitals and animal shelters. When a stray pet is picked up by animal control or a Good Samaritan, their microchip can be scanned at one of these places. 

Myth: Microchips cause serious health issues in pets

Truth: Microchips are often associated with unfounded health concerns. Extensive studies and research have shown that tumors, adverse reactions, and other potential problems incited by injections and foreign materials are incredibly rare. Complications are virtually unheard of, and any potential risk is far outweighed by the benefits of permanent identification.

Myth: Microchips replace a pet’s collar ID tags

Truth: Although you may not want to put a collar on your petite pet, or listen to the constant jingling of ID tags, ensuring your furry pal wears every possible identification form can save their life if they go missing. Ideally, in addition to their microchip, your pet should wear a well-fitting collar with identification tags that list your current contact information. Check your pet’s tags regularly for wear and legibility, and update your contact information with the microchip registration company as needed. For extra safety, embroider your phone number on your pet’s collar.

If your pet has not been microchipped, consider scheduling an appointment with our Memorial Animal Hospital team. A quick visit is all it takes to ensure your furry pal is permanently identified.