Microchip Implant
A microchip implant is an identifying integrated circuit placed under the skin of a dog, cat, horse, or other animal. The chips are about the size of a large grain of rice and are based on a passive RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology.
The use of externally attached microchip devices such as RFID enabled ear tags
(piercings rather than implants) is another, related method commonly
used for identifying farm and ranch animals other than horses. In some
cases the external microchips may be readable on the same scanner as
the implanted style.
Uses and Benefits
Microchips have been particularly useful in the return of lost pets. They can also assist where the ownership of an animal is in dispute.
Animal shelters
and animal control centers benefit using microchip identification
products by more quickly and efficiently returning pets to their
owners. When a pet can be quickly matched to its owner, the shelter
avoids the expense of housing, feeding, providing medical care, and
outplacing or euthanizing the pet. Microchipping is becoming
increasingly standard at shelters: many require all outplaced animals
to receive a microchip, and provide the service as part of the adoption
package. Animal control officers are trained and equipped to scan
animals.
In addition to shelters and veterinarians, microchips are used by kennels, breeders, brokers, trainers, registries, rescue groups, humane societies, clinics, farms, stables, animal clubs and associations, researchers and pet stores.
Several countries require a microchip when importing an animal, as a proof that the animal and the vaccination record belong together. Microchip tagging may also be required for CITES-regulated international trade in certain rare animals; for example, Asian Arowana are so tagged, in order to ensure that only captive-bred fish are imported.
