How exactly do microchips work?

Question

My dog ran away yesterday morning and I claimed him back that night. He's safe now. But now I want him micro chipped. I know that if somebody finds my dog, they can get my information but scanning it. But what if my dog gets stolen? Or what if he ran away and somebody just keeps it? Would the microchip be able to identify where he is?

Answer 1

If someone steals your dog with no intentions of turning your dog in, then you are right, a microchip is useless at that point. Unless they take this dog to a Vet for a check up (which I doubt) the Vet will automatically (hopefully) scan the dog, and will see the contact info won't match up with the person who brought the dog in.



No, the microchip is not a GPS device, it only gives information about the owner.

Answer 2

Each microchip has a special code on it, similar to a Universal Product Code on things you can buy in stores. The code is paired with the owner's information (name, address, phone) both in a computer system and on paper. If the dog is found and scanned, the owner's information will show up and the owner can be contacted. Many vets and animal shelters now scan pets.



The microchip will not identify where your dog is if it is lost or stolen, unless it is taken someplace and is scanned.

Answer 3

a microchip works like a id card, so say that your dog ran away again and someone found him and took him to the vet, the vet would scan him and the Scanner would be able to read the chip, the chip allows the vet to find info on the dog and the owner.

Answer 4

The first few answers are on the ball. So yes, its like a permanent alternative to tags. Please ignore what makayla said, none of it is even slightly accurate.

Answer 5

microchips are a perment ID and so if you lose your dog and somwon takes it to the vet they will scan and you will get your dog back