You can tell if a dog is microchipped by using a scanner for dog microchips held over the dog’s shoulder blades. A microchip scanner emits a radio frequency signal. If a chip is present, the scanner will read the unique identification number stored on the chip and display it on the screen.
Why Knowing About Dog Microchips Matters
A dog microchip identification system is a tiny chip, about the size of a grain of rice. Vets usually put it under the skin between the dog’s shoulder blades. This chip holds a unique number. It is not a GPS tracker. It is a permanent form of ID. If your dog gets lost, a shelter or vet can scan the dog. Then, they can find the number. After that, they contact the registry to find you.
Many people worry if their pet has this vital safety net. This guide helps you learn how to check for a microchip. We will look at how to check yourself and when to ask a professional for help.
Methods for Checking for a Microchip
There are a few ways to find out if your furry friend already has a microchip. Some ways need special tools. Others just need a close look and a quick call.
Self-Check: Looking for Signs of Implantation
Can you see or feel a microchip? Sometimes, yes. A microchip is very small, but you might notice a slight lump or bump where it was placed.
Feeling for the Chip
The chip is often implanted near the neck, right between the shoulder blades.
- Gently run your fingers over this area.
- Feel for a small, hard object under the skin.
- It should feel like a tiny grain of rice that has gotten stuck under the skin.
- Be very gentle. Do not press hard.
- Remember, some dogs have thick fur or extra weight. This can hide the chip.
Checking for the Tattoo (Older Systems)
In the past, some pets got a tattoo instead of or along with a chip. Tattoos are usually inside the ear flap or on the belly. Look closely for small letters or numbers tattooed there. This is less common now than dog microchip identification.
Professional Scanning: The Surest Way
The most reliable way to know for sure is to have a professional scan the dog. They use a special device.
What is a Scanner for Dog Microchips?
A scanner for dog microchips is a handheld device. It reads the radio frequency signal from the microchip. It then shows the chip’s ID number. Different brands of chips need scanners that read certain frequencies. Most modern scanners read the common frequencies used worldwide (like 134.2 kHz).
Where to Find a Scanner for Dog Microchips?
You do not need to buy a scanner yourself. Many places have them and will scan your dog for free.
- Veterinary Clinics: Almost every vet office has at least one scanner for dog microchips. They do this often when new pets arrive.
- Animal Shelters and Rescues: Shelters are equipped to scan strays and pets brought in by the public.
- Animal Control Offices: Local animal control services keep scanners handy.
If you are out and about and think you lost your dog, you can search for pet chip scanner near me. Many good Samaritans with scanners may be found through local community groups or shelters.
The Scanning Process
If you are at the vet or shelter, how to scan a pet microchip is simple for them:
- The technician will turn on the scanner.
- They will slowly pass the scanner over the dog’s body.
- They focus especially on the area between the shoulder blades.
- If a chip is present, the scanner will beep or show a number on the screen.
If the scanner reads a number, you have confirmed the dog is chipped. The next step is finding dog’s microchip number owner information.
Decoding the Scan Results
Finding a number does not instantly tell you who the owner is. The number is useless unless it is linked to current contact details in a database.
What to Do After a Successful Scan
Once you have the ID number, you need to check the registry.
Verifying Pet Microchip Status
This involves searching national or international microchip databases. The number is the key to verifying pet microchip ownership details.
- Contact a Registry: If you got the number from a vet, ask them which registry they suspect the chip belongs to. Some chips are specific to certain manufacturers.
- Use a Universal Search Tool: Some regions have universal lookup tools online. You enter the chip number, and it tells you which database holds the record.
What if You Can’t Find the Registry?
If you cannot trace the registry, you might need help. A good resource is checking with major international registries. Some popular ones include PetLink, AVID, and Found Animals Registry. You can try entering the number on their websites to see if a match comes up.
What If the Scanner Shows Nothing?
If the scanner beeps but displays gibberish, or if it shows nothing at all, there are a few possibilities:
- The Chip Has Moved: Microchips can sometimes migrate slightly from the original injection site. The scanner operator should try scanning the dog’s entire body, especially the chest and flank areas.
- The Chip Has Failed: Though rare, microchips can fail internally.
- It is Not a Standard Chip: Very old chips or chips from other countries might use a frequency your local scanner for dog microchips cannot read. This is why having a vet check is best. They often have multi-frequency scanners.
Advanced: Getting the Number When You Own the Dog
If you know your dog is chipped but lost the paperwork, you need to get the finding dog’s microchip number.
A Vet Check for Dog Microchip Records
The first step when you are the owner is a vet check for dog microchip.
- Call your previous vet clinic. They should have records of the chip number when your dog was implanted (usually during a spay/neuter or initial puppy visit).
- If you moved, call the new vet. They will scan the dog and check their existing records. If they scanned it for you, they can help with the next step.
Deciphering Chip Databases and Registration
Once you have the number, the next crucial step is the microchip registration check. Registration links the number to your name, address, and phone number.
Why Registration Matters More Than Implantation
A chip without registration is just plastic under the skin. Registration makes it an active tool.
| Action | Importance Level | What It Achieves |
|---|---|---|
| Implantation | High | Provides a unique ID number. |
| Scanning | High | Reads the unique ID number. |
| Registration | Critical | Links ID to owner contact info. |
If you cannot find the registration, you must register the chip immediately after reading a dog’s microchip number. If the chip is already registered but the details are old, you must update them.
Finding Scanner Locations Near You
If you found a stray dog or are unsure if your dog is chipped, knowing microchip scanner locations is essential.
Utilizing Community Resources
You do not need to travel far to find a scanner.
- Local Shelters: Always the best bet. Call ahead to confirm their scanning hours.
- Emergency Vets: 24-hour emergency vets usually have scanners running constantly.
- Police (Non-Emergency Line): Some police departments, especially those handling animal services, have scanners. Call their non-emergency line first.
- Groomers and Pet Stores: Large chain pet stores or professional groomers sometimes invest in scanners for customer service. It is worth a quick call.
When calling these places, use phrases like, “Can you tell me where can I find a scanner for dog microchips near me?” This helps clarify your need.
Using Mobile Scanners (If Available)
Sometimes, community groups or volunteer organizations host “Chip Check Days.” These groups bring portable scanners to parks or community centers. Look on local social media pages for these events. This is a great way to get a pet chip scanner near me without visiting a clinic.
Special Situations and Troubleshooting
What if the microchip story is complicated?
Dealing with Foreign or Old Chips
If you adopted a dog from overseas or a rescue that used an old system, you might encounter frequency mismatches.
- Multi-Frequency Scanners: The gold standard for professionals is a scanner that reads 125 kHz, 128 kHz, and 134.2 kHz chips. If a local shelter’s scanner does not read the chip, ask them to refer you to a full-service vet who might have advanced equipment for reading a dog’s microchip.
- Chip Registration Differences: International chips might be registered in non-U.S. databases. Resources like the European Pet Network (EPN) can sometimes help cross-reference global chips.
Chip Migration Concerns
As mentioned, chips can move. They are not anchored by scar tissue. If a scan is negative in the standard spot, the operator should perform a full-body sweep. This includes:
- Chest area, front legs, and hindquarters.
- Sometimes chips migrate as far as the dog’s hind leg area over many years.
If you suspect migration, ask the technician to use a very slow, deliberate scanning pattern across the dog’s entire trunk.
Maintaining Your Microchip Information
Once you confirm your dog is chipped, the job is not over. You must keep the link between the chip and you strong. This is key to successful verifying pet microchip details later.
The Importance of Current Registration Details
A chip is only as good as the data it points to. Every time you move, change your phone number, or switch primary contact emails, you must update your microchip registry.
- Registration Costs: Most initial registrations are free or low-cost. However, some registries charge a small annual fee to keep the listing active or to cover premium services. Check your registry’s terms.
- Multiple Registries: If you registered your dog years ago, check if they are registered in more than one place. Sometimes, owners sign up for an initial scan service and then a separate national database. Search the number in all likely places.
How to Perform a Microchip Registration Check Yourself
If you have the number, you can often check the status online.
- Go to the website of the known microchip company.
- Look for a “Search Chip Number” or “Owner Portal” link.
- Input the number and see what contact details are listed. If you can log in, your information is current. If you cannot log in, you might need to verify your identity to gain access or update the information.
This self-check saves time during a stressful emergency where you need to quickly verify pet microchip data.
Summary: Steps to Confirm Chipping
To summarize the process of determining if your dog has a microchip and what to do next:
| Step | Action Needed | Who Can Help? | Goal Achieved |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Feel the shoulder blade area carefully. | You | Initial physical check. |
| 2 | Visit a local clinic or shelter. | Vet Tech or Shelter Staff | Professional scan using a scanner for dog microchips. |
| 3 | If a number appears, write it down. | Scanner Operator | Obtaining the unique ID. |
| 4 | Use the number for a microchip registration check. | You or Registry Service | Verifying pet microchip details. |
| 5 | If no chip is found, discuss implantation. | Veterinarian | Securing permanent identification. |
This structured approach ensures you cover all bases, whether you are checking your own pet or trying to help a lost animal. Knowing how to scan a pet microchip yourself is not practical, but knowing where to go for a scan is vital.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Does a microchip hurt my dog?
A: No. Microchip implantation is quick, similar to a routine vaccination shot. Most dogs barely notice it. There is no ongoing pain or discomfort once the chip settles under the skin.
Q: Can I use my home RFID scanner to check for a microchip?
A: Generally, no. Home RFID scanners used for inventory or pet doors are often not sensitive or powerful enough to read a pet microchip transponder, which requires a specific radio frequency pulse. You need a dedicated scanner for dog microchips.
Q: If my dog is chipped, will I always know where he is?
A: No. Microchips are identification tags, not GPS trackers. They only work when a scanner is passed over the chip. You need a separate GPS collar device for real-time tracking.
Q: How do I update my registration information if I move?
A: You must contact the specific microchip registry where your dog is listed. Do not assume all vets or shelters have access to update all databases. Use the microchip registration check tool to find your registry, then log in or call them directly to update your details.
Q: Are microchips mandatory where I live?
A: Microchip laws vary greatly by city, county, and state. Many places now require dogs in shelters or those adopted from rescues to be chipped. Check your local animal control regulations to see if you need one. Even where not mandatory, it is highly recommended for safety.