How a Microchip Can Bring Your Lost Pet Back Home
A few months ago, my neighbour Sarah lost her dog, Max. He’s the friendly, tail-wagging kind that loves people and hates thunder. One stormy evening, the wind pushed open the garden gate, and Max slipped out. Just like that, he was gone.
Sarah was heartbroken. She printed flyers, walked miles around the area, and asked every passerby if they’d seen him. For two long days, there was no news. Then one afternoon, she got a phone call from a local vet clinic.
“Hi, we found Max. We scanned his microchip”. That tiny chip, smaller than a grain of rice made all the difference. It got me thinking: do enough people really know how pet microchips work or how important they are?
Let’s break it down in simple terms.
What is a pet microchip?
A pet microchip is a small electronic device, about the size of a grain of rice, inserted under your pet’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades. It carries just one thing: a 15-digit identification number that’s unique to your pet. That’s all. It doesn’t track your pet’s location or store any personal details.
(Here’s a quick video that shows you what a microchip looks like and how it works:
Watch now)
Is your personal information on the chip?
This is a common concern, and the answer is no. The chip itself holds only the ID number. Your contact information is stored securely in an official, GDPR-compliant database and is never released directly to the finder or anyone. The database provider acts as an intermediary between the finder and you.
So, if someone scans your pet’s chip, they’re not getting your phone number or address directly from the chip. They’ll contact the database provider, who will then, using the details you have registered with them, contact you to begin the reunification process.
How does the microchip reunite pets with their owners?
If a lost pet is found, the vet or shelter will scan them for a microchip. Once the 15-digit number shows up, they check it in the database. If the chip is registered correctly, the database provider will contact the owner.
That’s exactly how Sarah got Max back.
But here’s a crucial part many pet owners overlook: you must keep your contact details up to date on the microchip database. If you move house or change your phone number, remember to update the registration.
Now, you might be wondering, “How do I know if the chip is even working? Or not.” That’s a great question, and one many owners don’t think about until it’s too late. If you want to stay on top of things, consider getting a compact microchip scanner of your own. It’s a quick, easy way to check the chip regularly and make sure everything’s still functioning as it should. Think of it as a small tool that gives you big peace of mind.
What does the law say?
In the UK, microchipping your dog is a legal requirement by the time they are 8 weeks old. In England, all cats must also be microchipped before they reach 20 weeks. When you adopt or buy a pet, it’s your responsibility to make sure the microchip details are transferred to your name.
Why it matters
That little chip doesn’t seem like much, but in a moment of crisis, it can be everything. It brings lost pets’ home, offers peace of mind, and can even save lives.
The next time you visit your vet or the local grooming parlor, why not ask them to check your microchip? it’s a small action that can make a huge difference.
If you want to be able to check your pet’s microchip “anytime,” and you think you might like to have your own microchip scanner, then why not?! There are lots to choose from on all the major platforms. You might also want to check out the ones that we have for sale, available on our website (Here) . Whatever you decide, please do ensure that your pet’s registration is up to date and that your microchip is in good working order!!
For more information, visit https://www.hykk-solutions.com/