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Microchips are capsules about the size of a grain of rice that are injected painlessly under a pet's skin as a form of permanent identification.
Typical costs: |
- The cost to have a pet microchipped ranges from $25 to $60, depending on the veterinarian and local rates.
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What should be included: |
- Each chip contains a unique identification number. If the animal is lost or stolen, the chip can be read by a scanner and matched with owner information in a database. Most shelters and veterinary hospitals are equipped with such scanners.
- The procedure and the microchip itself are included in the cost.
- The chip is inserted under the skin, usually at the neck and front shoulder section of the pet, using a syringe. Pets can be microchipped as early as six to eight weeks.
- Not all scanners can read all microchips. While most countries abide by the International Standards Organization's 134.2kHz microchip, 80 percent of the scanners and most outfitted pets in the U.S. have the 125 kHz chips. Before microchipping a pet, be sure to call around area shelters -- as far away as 50 miles -- to make sure the scanners they use are compatible with the microchip the vet provides
- HealthyPet.com confronts common myths[1] about microchipping, and describes how implanting works. The article also includes a link to microchip manufacturers and their telephone numbers.
- There has been a small amount of concern over RFID technology causing cancerous tumors. According to the Washington Post[2] , some studies found there was a small increase in cancer rate in rats implanted with RFID technology. The World Small Animal Veterinary Association[3] and several other pet organizations stand behind the technology, touting the benefits and importance of microchipping.
Additional costs: |
- Expect to pay a one-time fee, typically under $20, to register a pet. PETtrac charges a one-time fee of $18.50 for one pet or $50 for up to five pets, and there is a $6 fee if information changes.
Discounts: |
- Some animal shelters only adopt out pets already microchipped. In these cases, the cost of microchipping is included in the adoption fee, typically between $50 and $100 for cats or $70 to $300 for dogs.
- Some animal shelters offer microchipping for a discounted cost, between $20 and $30.
- Some veterinarians will implant the microchip at a reduced rate if done in conjunction with another service, such as vaccinations.
Shopping for pet mircochipping: |
- The ASPCA[4] lists the most common companies that manufacture microchips.
- Veterinary and pet advocacy groups still advise keeping a collar with a tag on a dog or cat as the primary source of owner contact information.
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External Resources: |
- www.healthypet.com/PetCare/PetCareArticle.aspx?title=Microchipping
- www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/08/AR2007090800997_pf.html
- www.wsava.org/Chip999.htm
- www.aspca.org/about-us/faq/microchipping.aspx
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