Supporting Doberman Rescue Across America
Microchipping
Microchips are a permanent form of id for animals. A permanent id is encouraged for rescue dogs so that the dogs can always be identified and returned to the rescue, should they somehow end up in an animal shelter. For the adopter, having a permanent id insures that there will never be a dispute over ownership of the dog. The microchip satisfies the AKC’s policy for record keeping and identification for breeders.
Microchips are injected under the skin between the shoulder blades. This simple procedure, just like administering a vaccine, must be done by someone familiar with giving injections. The injection of the microchip (about the size of a grain of rice) is less painful than the older form of permanent id, the tattoo. The tiny injectable “chip” contains a one-of-a-kind identification number and is recognized worldwide. The microchip number is registered and stored in a database with the owner’s name and phone number.
A small handheld scanner is used to read the microchip through the skin of the animal – the scanner and the microchip communicate using radio waves. The animal feels nothing as the chip’s number appears within a few seconds in the scanner’s viewing window. With a phone call, the registered chip can be traced back to the dog’s owner. When your rescue orders the microchips, a scanner is also provided, which can be used to scan all incoming dogs to the rescue.
Microchips are designed to last for 25 years and are guaranteed for the life of the animal. There will be a thin layer of connective tissue that forms around the chip, anchoring it in place.
The cost of the microchip is approximately $7 per dog, slightly more for smaller quantity orders.
There are two manufacturers of microchips in the US: Avid® and Destron® . The HomeAgain® chip is manufactured by Destron® and distributed by Schering-Plough. There is additional information, including FAQs, on each of the websites for these companies. Click on the links below to get more information about the programs and ordering microchips.
AVID® Microchip ID Systems
or Call 1-800-434-2843
HomeAgain