Protect family pets with microchips

  • Published
  • By Army Sgt. Timothy S. Hair
  • U.S. Army Veterinary Services
F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  What is a microchip? A microchip is a tiny computer chip which has an identification number programmed into it. The whole device is small enough to fit inside a hypodermic needle and can be simply injected under the skin of our pets, where it will stay for the life of the animal. This provides a permanent, positive identification which cannot be lost, altered or intentionally removed: it is safe, simple and inexpensive way to protect your pet against loss or theft.

How does a microchip work? The computer memory in the microchip contains a unique number - no two animals will ever have the same number. A radio signal is used to read this number through the skin of your pet. While the microchip is not a tracking device, if a lost pet is found by a participating shelter or veterinary facility, they'll check the animal for a microchip with a special scanner. When the microchip number is found, a quick call to the 24 hour registration hotline will provide contact information so that the owner and pet can be reunited. Virtually every shelter, animal control, and veterinary facility has microchip scanners.

Does my pet need a microchip? As a military community, we are a highly mobile population: leaves, temporary duty assignments and permanent changes of station. Even our retiree population tends to travel a lot. Therefore, it is highly recommended to have pets permanently identified with a microchip. Currently it is not mandatory for pets to have a microchip here, but it is required on many military installations. Also, if moving overseas to Europe or Japan (to name a few), it is required that pets be identified with an International Standards Organization (ISO) compatible microchip. An ISO compatible chip is one that can be read by scanners overseas. Here at the U.S. Army Veterinary Treatment Facility (VTF), ISO compatible microchips are used. If a microchip is implanted by a civilian veterinary facility, specifically request an ISO compatible microchip.

Does the system really work? Shortly after one of my PCS moves, my pets discovered a weakness in the fence in my backyard and escaped. They were picked up by the local sheriff's department. Thanks to their microchips, the sheriff's department was able to contact me to let me know they had my dogs. At my last duty station, a good Samaritan found a dog on the street and brought it in for a checkup. We discovered the microchip, contacted the owner, and reunited them with their pet that had been missing and living on the street for a year. Yes, the system really works.

When should pets be microchipped? Is it safe? How much does it cost? A microchip can be injected during any routine veterinary visit. Animals of any age can be injected with a microchip. Injecting the microchip is just like any other injection or vaccination. Anesthesia is not required or recommended since there is minimal discomfort with the procedure - most pets don't even react to it. The microchip is encapsulated in a specially formulated biocompatible material created specifically for this kind of application. There is virtually no chance of the body developing an allergy or trying to reject the microchip after being properly injected. The cost of implanting a microchip is $25 in addition to applicable examination fees. This price includes lifetime registration to have the pet included in the national database.

The Veterinary Treatment Facility is located in building 288 on the corner of Frontier and 5th Cavalry. We share a parking lot with the Independence Gym. Our hours of operation are Monday and Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The office is closed on weekends and Federal holidays. All pets are seen by appointment only. Please call 773-3354 for more information or to schedule an appointment.