Is a Microchip Enough to Bring Your Lost Pet Home?

-      40% of pet owners have got it wrong with Myth 5!

As pet parents, keeping our furry friends safe is a top priority, and microchipping plays a big role in ensuring they’re quickly reunited with us if they ever get lost. But, just like with any tech, there’s a lot of confusion about how microchips work. Let’s clear things up by tackling the five biggest myths about microchipping—so you can feel confident about this small but mighty tool for your pet’s safety!

Myth 1: Microchips are GPS Trackers

Fact: Microchips are a permanent form of identification when registered. They are not tracking devices.

One of the most prevalent misconceptions is that microchips work like GPS trackers. In reality, microchips serve as permanent identification, providing a unique code linked to your contact information, which is stored in a secure database such as Petkey. Although they don’t provide real-time tracking of your pet’s location, these devices significantly improve the likelihood of a reunion if your lost pet is found and scanned with a microchip scanner by a vet, animal shelter, or other professional body.

Myth 2: Microchipping is Painful for Pets

Fact: Minimal Discomfort during Implantation

Some pet owners worry that microchipping is a painful procedure for their furry friends. In truth, the process is relatively quick and causes minimal discomfort, similar to a routine vaccination. A microchip is around the size of a grain of rice; it’s very small. Veterinary professionals use a sterile needle to implant the tiny chip under the pet’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades. Most pets barely notice it; the benefits far outweigh the momentary discomfort.

Myth 3: Microchip Information Can be Accessed by Anyone

Fact: Microchip Information is Secure and Accessible to the Right Person at the Right Time

Concerns about privacy and unauthorized access to microchip information are unfounded. Databases like Petkey are highly secure, and the information can only be accessed by authorized personnel at organizations such as vet practices, animal shelters, local authorities, or members we have pre-vetted. This ensures your pet’s safety and privacy. Your privacy is in your hands, if your information can be seen when your pet’s finder scans your pet’s microchip. Your rules. Your way.

Myth 4: Microchips Replace the Need for Collars and Tags

Fact: Microchips Complement but Don’t Replace Traditional Identification

While microchips provide a permanent and tamper-proof form of identification, visible engraved tags with your contact information make it easier for everyday people to assist in a lost pet’s return.

Most states require dogs to wear a collar with specific tags, though exact rules vary by state. Requirements could include, but are not limited to:

• Owner Information: A tag with the owner’s name and contact details.
• Rabies Vaccination: Proof of up-to-date vaccination, often mandated by law.
• License: A tag showing the dog is registered with the local government or animal control.

Check your state and local regulations to ensure your dog meets identification and vaccination requirements.

Myth 5: Pets Are Automatically Registered to a Database When Microchipped

Fact: Microchips Need to Be Registered by the Pet Owner

Many pet owners assume that having their pet implanted with a microchip by the vet means it is automatically registered in an AAHA-approved database like ours. However, registration is a separate step that ensures your contact information is linked to the microchip, making it essential to complete for your pet’s safety. Without registration, the chip is deemed ineffective, making it extremely difficult to reunite lost pets. Learn more here.

Debunking these microchip myths is crucial for pet owners to embrace this technology confidently. Microchipping and registration are safe and effective ways to protect your pet in case they get lost. By understanding the facts, you can contribute to your pet’s safety and increase the likelihood of a happy reunion should they ever go astray. It’s a small investment for a lifetime of peace of mind.

Register your pet’s microchip with Petkey today.

#petkey_posts #petkey #pets #myths

Headline statistic source: AVMA

Happy #TGIF, Thank God I’m Found! Rocky was found by a Good Samaritan who was able to catch him and take him to be checked for a microchip. He was later reunited with his family! ❤️

Happy #TGIF, Thank God I’m Found! After Meeko’s alert went out, he was found near by by a neighbor who recognized him from his lost pet poster. The owners were contacted and he was home shortly after!

Happy #TGIF, Thank God I’m Found! After Ben’s alert went out, he was found by a local animal hospital who contacted Petkey after scanning his chip. We contacted the owners and he was home shortly after!

Happy #TGIF, Thank God I’m Found! A day after Dyce’s alert went out, we received a call from local animal control that they had found him. We were able to contact his owner minutes later and he is now home safe!

Happy #TGIF, Thank God I’m Found! Nova was found and taken to an animal shelter where her chip was scanned. We were able to contact the owners and she was home shortly after!❤️

Happy #TGIF, Thank God I’m Found! Andre’s owners wrote us “Andre is home! I put out flyers letting everyone know he’s microchipped and so very much wanted. Thank you Petkey and Petkey community!!”

Happy #TGIF, Thank God I’m Found! Remus was found by a neighbor who was able to contact his owner by the phone number on his Petkey tag! We are so happy you are home!

Happy #TGIF, Thank God I’m Found! Sasha’s owners wrote us “Someone contacted us from our pet poster and said they saw her in the area, so I went there and after a little searching I was able to find her!” ❤️

Happy #TGIF, Thank God I’m found! April was found after being missing for 10 days! We are so happy you are safe at home!

Happy #TGIF, Thank God I’m Home! Axel was reported missing and found the same day! After his alert went out, Petkey received a call that he was at a local humane society. He was returned home safely!💙

Happy #TGIF, Thank God I’m Found! Reece was found and taken to a local animal shelter to be scanned for a microchip. His chip was updated and registered and Petkey was able to contact his owners and get him home safely! We are so happy you are home, Reece!

Happy #TGIF, Thank God I’m Found! After being missing for nearly 2 years, Bingo’s owners were SO HAPPY to receive call from us that Bingo was scanned for his microchip! We are so happy you are safe at home!

Happy #TGIF, Thank God I’m Found! Bubba’s owners wrote us “He was not as close to home as I thought he was. Thank you the poster helped to find him within a couple hours!” We are so happy you are safe at home!

Happy #TGIF, Thank God I’m Found! Benji’s owners wrote us “Benji was at a home about a mile away, across a busy street! They took such good care of him, and eventually saw one of his posters.  She called me and brought Benji home. Two little girls are veeeeery happy now.  The family is whole again!”

Happy #TGIF, Thank God I’m Found! After Pino’s safe return, his owners wrote us : “My most sincerest THANK YOU and appreciation to  everyone who expressed concern and helped us in looking for our lost family member.  It was greatly appreciated. From our family to everyone Thank You Again!”

Happy #TGIF, Thank God I’m Found! “Murphy was found in a nearby neighborhood. The woman took care of him overnight and in the morning brought him to an animal hospital where they scanned his microchip. They called us and Petkey and we were reunited! It was a happy ending for everyone!”

Happy #TGIF, Thank God I’m Found! A neighbor found Mr. White wandering and took him in to keep him safe. They then saw the Petkey poster that had been posted and they were able to get him home safe and sound! 😻

t

Happy #TGIF, Thank God I’m Found! “Someone driving in the area found her tired and thirsty. They took her home and kept her safe. They contacted us as soon as they saw our posters and we got Dolly home safely!”

Happy #TGIF, Thank God I’m Found! After Snowface’s alert went out, a neighbor 7 blocks down found him and was able to contact Petkey. We notified his owner and he was home shortly after! We are so happy you are home!