About Avid Microchips
So . . . what is a microchip?
A Microchip is a small identifying chip that is the size of a grain of rice. This microchip is injected just under skin on the scruff of the neck. It only takes a minute to have your dog permanently identified and is much like giving your puppy a vaccination. Should your puppy end up in a shelter, dog pound or vet's office, they will scan your dog around the shoulder blades to see if he or she has a microchip.
Please be aware many purebred and designer dogs are being stolen from backyards, parks, etc. and placed for adoption for profit. If your dog is micorchipped, you have a much better chance of getting your dog back to you!
Here's a link for more info!
MICROCHIP FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What is a microchip?
A: The microchip is a tiny computer chip, approximately the size of a grain of rice, that has an identification number programmed into it. The chip is encased in a smooth, strong biocompatible glass and is small enough to fit into a hypodermic needle. Once an animal is injected with a chip, it can be identified throughout its life with this one of a kind number. The identification cannot be lost or altered.
Q: What is the benefit of microchipping my dog?
A: Microchips are permanent identifications that cannot be lost, altered or destroyed. Pet owners have been reunited with their lost, chipped pets that have been missing for years or that have traveled thousands of miles.
Q: How does microchip identification work?
A: A special scanner is used to send a radio signal to the chip to read the chip's unique identification number. The animal feels nothing when the scanner is placed over it. The number is displayed on the scanner, and the person reading the scanner can contact a national microchip registry to find out who the dog belongs to.
Q: How is the microchip implanted?
A: Microchips are implanted with a needle. They are injected beneath the skin in the area between the dog's shoulder blades. Microchips cannot be felt or seen.
Q: How early can puppies be injected with a microchip?
A: Puppies can have the chip injected at eight weeks of age. Of course, the injection can also be done at any time after that.
Q: How Old Does My Puppy Have To Be?
A: Puppies or Dogs of any age can be injected with the AVID Microchip. Puppies are usually identified during their initial vaccination series or at the time of placement with their new families.
Q: My Puppy Never Leaves My Yard, Why Should I Microchip?
A: It only takes a second for the mailman, gardner, meter reader, neighbor or visitor to leave the gate or front door open for a split second. Pet theft is also a daily occurrence. Purebred and Designer puppies/dogs are often quite valuable and are stolen for many reasons. Most shelters destroy the majority of pets they impound. They are destroyed only because they are not identified.
Q: How Do I Know My Local Shelter Will Check For The AVID Microchip?
A: AVID and local veterinarians, Animal Shelters, Human Societies, etc, all scan every animal that comes into the shelter, and again prior to euthanasia or adoption.
Q: If My Puppy Is Found, How Does The Shelter Contact Me?
A: When a shelter finds a pet with an AVID Microchip they will call AVID. If the pet is registered with AVID's recovery network, PETtrac, the shelter will be given the owner's name. If the pet is not registered, they will be given the name of the veterinarian or breeder who implanted the microchip. The veterinarian or breeder will provide the owner's latest information.
Q: What Happens If I Am On Vacation And My Pet Is Found At A Shelter?
A: PETtrac maintains your "alternate contact" information. Your puppy/dog would be released to your authorized representative to ensure it's well-being. Rest assured, your pet is protected, even when you are not at home, no matter what the reason. Remember, too, AVID has the name or breeder who implanted the microchip and either would be happy to help in this type of situation.
Q: How Long Does the Microchip Last?
A: Once injected under the skin of your puppy, the AVID Microchip becomes encased by a thin layer of protein which anchors it in place for the rest of the life of your pet. It does not pass through or out of the body. There is no power supply or moving parts to wear out. It is expected to last far beyond the life span of your new puppy, usually about 25 years.
Q: How Much Does The Microchip Cost?
A: Prices vary between breeder's, veterinarians, trainers, etc. Also a $19.75 lifetime registration fee will need to be sent to AVID to register your puppy in AVID's Nationwide Recovery System, PETtrac. This fee is paid only ONCE during the lifetime of your puppy. Registration is now available online.
