The National Animal Identification Center understands any differences in your pets usual routine can be a worrying experience. However, we would like to assure you that micro-chips are perfectly safe and that micro-chipping is the number one solution when identifying your lost or stolen pet.
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions our pet owners want to know:
How do I enroll?
To register your pet chip, visit our fast and easy online form to get started. Once you complete the process, you will receive a registration number and certificate confirming your successful registration.
If you are unsure if you pet is currently enrolled with The National Animal Identification Center, you will be asked to enter your pet’s microchip ID and will be advised if they are currently enrolled with us or not. A microchip is the only form of pet identification that is permanent, with a unique number that cannot be altered or removed and it is important you enroll with The National Animal Identification Center once your microchip has been placed inside your pet.
In the event that you are unable to be reached if we find your pet, we ask you during registration to provide an alternate contact number for a family member, friend or vet. Please make sure you update us with any changes regarding your preferred contact details.
Are micro-chips the best way to keep my pet safe?
Veterinarians have been implanting microchips in animals for years, and the process has been proven to be very safe. And today, virtually all veterinarians and shelters (over 50,000 nationally) are equipped to scan your pet should he become lost.
How do micro-chips work?
Your veterinarian will implant the microchip in your pet. The procedure is simple and similar to administering a vaccine or a routine shot.
Each microchip comes preloaded in a sterile applicator and is injected under the loose skin between the shoulder blades. The process takes only a few seconds, and your pet will not react any more than he would to a vaccination. No anesthetic is required.
The microchip is about the size of a grain of rice (12mm), and is made out of an inert, bio-compatible substance, which means it won’t cause an allergic reaction or degenerate over time. You cannot see the microchip after it is implanted under the skin of your dog or cat.
Do micro-chips require maintenance?
Pet microchips do not have an internal battery or power source. When the microchip scanner is passed over the microchip, the microchip receives enough power from the scanner to transmit the pet’s ID number. Since there’s no battery and no moving parts, there’s nothing to wear out or replace. The microchip will last your pet’s lifetime.
Will my pet receive a unique pet ID number?
With all the possible combinations of product codes and ID numbers, there are more than enough numbers to make sure every pet has a completely unique number. These tiny microchips are designed to produce 275 billion different ID numbers. On top of that, microchip manufacturers add unique product codes and manufacturer’s codes to identify their microchips.
Rest assured, your pet will always have an ID number all their own.
What are the benefits of micro-chipping your pets?
There are many benefits to micro-chipping your pet. Micro-chipping is often the first way to identify your pet if they are lost or stolen and is recognized by most veterinary and animal practices.
Micro-chipping also ensures that your pet stays in your possession. In the event of stolen or missing pets, a micro-chip is the only way to verify you are indeed the owner. This is because the information on the chip cannot be replaced or changed without the owners permission.
Why is micro-chipping the preferred method of identifying pets?
We know that pets should wear collar tags imprinted with their name and the phone number of their owner or veterinarian, but tags may become worn, impossible to read or may slip off. Tattooing pets with a number is another method of identifying pets; however, veterinarians and pet rescue experts say tattoos can blur over time, and they can be altered. It also raises doubt as to the humane treatment of animals. A microchip is the only form of pet identification that is permanent, with a unique number that cannot be altered or removed, that is also pet friendly.
What if my pet is found and I am unreachable at the contact number filed?
When you micro-chip your pet, we will ask you to provide contact information for an alternate relative, close friend, or veterinarian. In the event you are unreachable when your pet is found, someone will contact the alternate and preferred person of your choice if you cannot be reached. It is critical that you keep your contact information up-to-date to ensure the best possible service.
My pet never goes outside, so do they really need a microchip?
It’s wonderful that you’re keeping your pet safe inside, but a guest or a handyman could easily leave the door open, or a screen could come loose from an open window. There’s also a possibility that your house could be damaged in a heavy storm, flood, or other natural disaster, causing your pet to run away in fear. Pets can even be stolen – particularly exotic animals or purebred animals. No matter how closely you watch your pet, there’s always a chance they can get lost, and if they don’t have any ID, they will be extremely hard to find once again.