What is a microchip?
A microchip is a device about the size of a grain of rice containing
a unique identification number that can be read by a portable hand-held scanner.
The number connects the animal to vital owner and veterinarian information.
How does a microchip work?
A microchip is inserted into the scuff of the animal's neck. When an animal
come into a shelter, a technician scans the entire body of the animal looking for
a microchip. If an animal has a chip, a number will register on the scanner. A
clerk will call the microchip company to obtain owner information and then contact
the owner.
Why does an owner have to license their dog once he/she has a microchip?
A license is proof of rabies vaccination. It is a City of Sacramento ordinance
that all dogs must have a current rabies vaccination and be licensed with Animal
Care Services, as we are a rabies-endemic region.
Why would an owner want to microchip their pet?
Why is a license and/or name tag not enough protection?
Your dog should always wear his/her license tag. Often, however, collars can
fall off leaving the dog without any visible identification. A microchip is a
permanent devise that can identify your pet if they are lost or stolen.
If an owner's pet never gets out of their house or yard, why should they
microchip them?
Many animals that live exclusively in the house or yard still become lost. A
utility worker or the gardener can let them out of the yard. Also, your pet
can run out of the house and become lost. It is important that all animals
wear their license tags and be microchipped to help identify and return them
to their owners.
Will the microchip stay in place in the animal?
In most cases, the microchip will remain in the area of the injection. However,
in case the microchip migrates, the shelter technicians scan the entire animal's
body looking for a chip.
How long does the microchip last?
Microchips will remain active for the life of the animal.
Will the procedure hurt the owner's pet?
For most animals, inserting the microchip is not painful. It is a needle prick
in the scuff of the animal's neck, similar to a vaccination.
How does a shelter know a pet belongs to an owner?
When the animal is scanned and a chip is found, the clerk uses the microchip
number to identify the owner through three principal microchip registration
companies. The clerk will then contact the owner by phone and/or letter to let
them know we have their animal.
What is the youngest age a pet can be microchipped?
Dogs and cats can be microchipped at any age.
If an owner moves, can they change their address information?
Yes. The owner can contact the microchip company to change their address
information or make the changes themselves online if they purchased a microchip
from City of Sacramento Animal Care Services. It is important to maintain
current information so shelter personnel can locate the owner of lost pets.
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