About Microchips

Microchips Facts
A microchip is a very small capsule about the size of a grain of rice that contains a computer chip which stores an alphanumeric code that is unique and specific to the animal which receives the implant.

Why Microchip my Pet?
Microchips provide a permanent, unremovable means of animal identification that will not fade or be lost over time as can occur with a tattoo or ID tag. Owner information can be accessed immediately through the recovery database associated with the microchip. This ensures the quick and accurate identification of a lost pet, avoiding the delays and sometimes misinterpretations found with other forms of pet ID. It is also a system that knows no geographical boundary and is applicable throughout North America, making it the best insurance you can provide your pet in the event it becomes lost.

How do Microchips Work?
An RFID reader sends Radio Frequency (RF) signals via an antenna inside the chip. The antenna radiates the RF energy, and it is absorbed by the RFID tag attached to a good or material. The tag uses the absorbed energy to “power up” and return data from the embedded chip. The microchip itself contains no internal battery.

How is a Microchip Placed Within My Pet?
The microchip is injected under the skin and into the connective tissue of your pet with an instrument much like a hypodermic needle. It is no different than having your pet vaccinated, the process is quick, simple and causes minimal discomfort to your pet.

Are Microchips Safe?
Microchips are produced of biologically inert materials, and individually sterilized and packaged. They do not cause a tissue reaction and have been found to be extremely safe both in the short and the long term.

Can a Microchip Move Once its Implanted?
Early versions of the microchip had a tendency to 'migrate' after implantation. Today's manufacturers have developed microchips with anti-migrating properties that have dramatically reduced this potential. The best way to prevent a microchip from migrating is proper implantation. This means following the instructions as laid out by the manufacturer and ensuring the chip is implanted deep enough to allow the anti-migrating features to properly take hold. It is recommended to massage the area gently after implantation to encourage the implant site to close.

What is the Lifespan of a Microchip?
The microchip itself contains no internal battery but is powered by the energy it receives from the scanner or reader. As such, they enjoy an exceptionally long lifespan that far exceeds the animal's life.
 
It is exceedingly rare for a microchip to fail completely. If your microchip is not scanning, only an x-ray of the animal will conclusively determine whether a microchip is still in place, as ‘failure to scan’ is normally caused by a microchip migrating or ejecting from the dog after placement.

My veterinarian said that the microchip is not connected to me?
When scanned, the microchip scanner will display a 15-digit microchip number. When the recovery database is contacted, we can access your dog’s information via this number. We can then provide the caller with your contact information (name/phone), so that you may be reunited with your lost pet.
Veterinarians often will advise a pet owner to contact the microchip recovery registry to ensure their information is up to date; however, your information will not display on the scanner when the dog is scanned.

How Does the System Work?
When a lost animal appears in a shelter, humane society, or veterinary clinic, it will be scanned for a microchip. If one is present, a specific alpha-numeric code will be displayed. With that code number in hand, a call will be made to the recovery database using the 800-toll free number. That code number can be traced to the pet owner listed in the database files.

How do I update my information for my dog’s microchip?
You can update your address and phone number via the online portal if you have one set up, or by calling our Customer Service team at 416-675-5511 or toll-free 1-855-364-7252. Click here to review your dog’s microchip recovery information: https://www.ckc.ca/Raising-a-Dog/Lost-Your-Dog-Page/default.aspx