As a loving pet parent, losing your dog is likely one of your worst fears. Unfortunately, even when they have the most astute owners, dogs get lost every day. To protect your canine companion, we recommend having them microchipped. Here at All Creatures Veterinary Hospital, we provide dog microchipping for pets in Vallejo, CA and strongly recommend this service for our patients. 

We have answered some of the most frequently asked questions about microchipping your dog here, but if you have additional questions about microchips for your dog, and are in the Vallejo, CA area, please give us a call at (707) 940-8748 to schedule an appointment. 

What does it mean to have my dog microchipped?

Having your dog microchipped gives them a permanent form of identification. While collars and tags can fall off or wear out, we implant microchips under the skin between a dog's shoulder blades, where they remain for the rest of their lives. 

Do microchips have tracking capabilities?

Currently, microchips do not have GPS tracking capabilities. As radio-frequency identification devices, they don’t emit a signal or require a power source. There are GPS trackers you can attach to your dog’s collar for this purpose, but you cannot track your dog’s location using their microchip.

How is a microchip used to identify my dog?

Every microchip has a unique identification number. After inserting the chip, it is registered to your dog using your personal information. 

When registering your dog’s microchip, we’ll input several pieces of information, including:

  • Your phone number
  • Your address
  • Your email address
  • Additional contact information for another person

Who can scan my dog's microchip information?

Most veterinary hospitals and animal rescue agencies have microchip scanners. These are typically universal scanners that will detect chips from any manufacturer. 

What does the microchip recovery process look like in the event my dog gets lost?

If someone picks up your dog and brings them to a veterinary hospital or shelter, an employee will scan them for a microchip using a non-invasive handheld device. The scanner will display the identification number, which they will enter into an online database to determine the manufacturer. Then, the employee will contact the microchip manufacturer to find your contact information. As long as the microchip contains current contact information, someone will reach out to you to reunite you with your canine companion. 

Why do veterinarians recommend that you get your dog microchipped?

We recommend having your dog microchipped because it provides a permanent, fail-safe form of identification. It is also a legal form of identification, so if your dog’s chip contains accurate information, there is no denying that they belong to you. Microchipping dramatically increases your chances of reuniting with your precious pet if they are ever lost or stolen, so we strongly recommend this simple procedure for the peace of mind it provides. 

What if I lose or forget my dog's microchip information?

This is a common problem with an easy solution. If you forget or lose your dog’s microchip information, you can contact the company or log into their website. Alternatively, you can bring your pet into our office or a shelter, have them scanned, and write down the number. If we chip your dog and you lose the information, we’d be more than happy to help. 

Are there any other smart products that can connect to my dog's microchip?

Right now, there are a few smart products that connect to dogs’ microchips, and more are being developed. The only products you can currently connect to your dog’s microchip include smart pet feeders and dog doors.

Microchip pet feeders only open for a specific pet and are ideal for multi-pet households in which some animals have special diets. Microchip dog doors allow your canine companion to come and go as they please while keeping unwanted critters out. 

Pet tech is evolving rapidly, so be on the lookout for additional microchip-compatible smart products in the near future! 

To learn more about dog microchipping or schedule an appointment for your canine companion, please reach out to our friendly team. Microchipping takes seconds and could save you and your dog from years of heartache. Give us a call at (707) 940-8748.