New to Pet Microchipping?
Microchipping is yet another way to differentiate the caliber of your breeding operation. It shows prospective, future pet owners that you are concerned for the pet’s safety, should it ever go missing. Let your clients know about your microchipping practices.
Not only will they appreciate the extra service and care, but it also offers them peace of mind surrounding the pet’s added safety.
Getting started is easy:
How many microchips do you need?
AKC Reunite offers you the best savings when you purchase microchips in boxes of 25; we also offer boxes of 5 or a single microchip.
Do you currently have a scanner, if so, what type?
- If you don’t have a scanner and are unable purchase one, what kind of scanner can you borrow from your vet or kennel club?
- If you plan to have your vet microchip for you, what scanner do they currently have?
There are many different types of scanners in the marketplace, and many are outdated. Our ProScan 700 reads all microchips sold in the US. Call us at 800-252-7894 to discuss your scanner options. We are here to help.
What microchip frequency would you prefer?
This is an important question based on the type of microchip scanner you have access to and whether or not your animals need to travel. An ISO microchip is recommended for pets that will be traveling, especially if they are going overseas or to Canada.
For pet microchipping to be effective, it involves a two-step process. First the microchip implantation, then the microchip enrollment in our recovery database. Are you going to pay for the enrollment upfront at a discounted rate or do you want the puppy buyer to pay for the enrollment on their own?
AKC Reunite offers you a choice of purchasing microchips or microchips with prepaid enrollments included. AKC Reunite microchip enrollment includes:
- One time enrollment fee, no annual fees or other hidden fees.
- 24/7 support from dedicated recovery experts.
- AKC Reunite collar ID tags showing the pet’s microchip number and AKC Reunite’s phone number.
- No charge to update records, or limit to the number of updates made.
- Proceeds that support Canine Support and Relief Fund, Veterinary School Scholarships, disaster relief and more.
What does microchipping have to do with AKC’s Regulations for Record Keeping and Identification of Dogs?
As a responsible breeder, you understand it is critical that you can identify each of your dogs and know their parentage. Microchips provide proof-positive, permanent identification that not only meets the requirement of identifying your dogs, but also provides pet owners additional peace of mind knowing that their pet can be identified if lost. Click here for more information on Regulations for Record Keeping and Identification of Dogs.
How to Scan for a Pet’s Microchip
In 2009, a comprehensive study of pets with microchips was conducted by Linda Lord at the Ohio State Department of Veterinary Medicine.* The study shows pet with microchips are up to 20 times more likely to be reunited with their owners. Further, the study highlights the importance of using a universal microchip scanner properly.
Before you begin scanning a pet, commit up to two minutes to find a pet’s microchip. Battery power and/or scanning technique can also impact how easily a microchip is detected so patience and practice are important. It is also important to verify with your scanner manufacturer that your microchip scanner can read all frequencies of microchips currently sold in the US: 134.2 kHz (ISO), 128 kHz and 125 kHz to ensure every pet with a microchip has a chance of being reunited.
Start scanning slowly between the pet’s shoulder blades, going side-to-side in an “S” shaped pattern for ten seconds. If no chip is detected, rotated the scanner 90 degrees and scan again between the pets shoulder blades.
If the microchip is not detected, there is a very small chance it may have shifted in the pet. Using the same “S” shaped pattern:
- Start at the pet’s head, and slowly scan side-to-side all the way to the pet’s tail, making several passes over each area.
- Then, slowly scan down the sides of the pet‘s leg, across its neck, along and under its chest and behind its front legs.
Double-check your work. Studies have shown that by holding the scanner at a different angle or asking another operator to scan a pet, you may find a chip that was initially missed. Importantly, if you are an animal sheltering organization, please continue to scan the pet for a microchip while it is under your care. Scan the pet at intake, during medical examination, at adoption and always before euthanasia. It can save a life.
Once a microchip is detected, go to www.petmicrochiplookup.org. This free online resource can help direct you to the pet recovery service with the pet owner’s contact information.
Good to know!
Where you scan a pet is important to avoid scanner interference. It should be away from computers, metal tables and fluourescent lighting. Any metal collars should also be removed prior to scanning a pet.
Having a regular battery change schedule and ensuring use of the same brand of new, high quality batteries, like Energizer, will keep your scanner’s read range optimal.
Knowledge of where the scanner’s antenna reads microchip. All models are different .
- The AKC Reunite ProScan reads microchips on the sides of the circle (at 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock), when you hold the scanner parallel to the pet.
- The AKC Reunite QuickScan 650 should be held perpendicular to the pet, with the antenna being in the red sensor area.
* Lord LK. The Microchip World: Recent Advances and Options for Shelters and Veterinarians. Columbus, OH: Ohio State University Dept. of Veterinary Preventive Medicine; 2009. Available at: http://vet.osu.edu/assets/pdf/depts/prevMed/research/Microchipping.pdf. Last viewed August 14, 2013.
How to Properly Implant a Microchip
Microchips should be administered by or under the direct supervision of a veterinarian and in accordance with any state and local statutes and regulations applicable to microchips and their implantation. Be sure to take all necessary aseptic precautions before inserting the microchip. After use, implanter with needle should be disposed of properly in accordance with your local regulations. Store at room temperature.
Step 1:
Scan the animal to find out if it already has a microchip. If it does, look up the microchip number at www.petmicrochiplookup.org or call AKC Reunite at 800-252-7894.
Step 2:
Scan the syringe in the package.
Step 3:
Confirm the ID number of the microchip matches the barcode label.
Step 4:
Locate the injection site (between the shoulder blades) and tent the skin. At the base of the tented skin, completely insert the needle subcutaneously at a slight angle and then depress the blue plunger using a steady motion. Withdraw the needle and then let the skin go.
Step 5:
Check the implantation site to make sure the microchip transponder has been fully inserted and then scan the implantation site to ensure the microchip is working correctly. Keep pet calm for 24 hours after microchip implantation.
Step 6:
VERY IMPORTANT! Make sure the microchip is enrolled to the pet owner. Enroll here or mail the completed paper form to AKC Reunite.
Download our How to Microchip handout.
