How Does RFID Pet Tag Help to Find Your Lost Dog?

Accidents can happen at any time, despite your best efforts. In a moment of carelessness, you might leave the door ajar; your pooch escapes and is lost. In case it has an identification tag or a collar, chances are you will be able to locate and get your pet home. But what if it is not wearing a collar or the tag has come off in the process? Fret not, as there is dedicated technology that you can turn to. Identification microchips are small transponders -- about the size of a grain of rice -- that can be implanted in your furry friend’s skin by animal shelters and veterinarians.

What are Pet Microchips?

Remember that they aren’t exactly tracking devices. These transponders, which use radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology, serve as your pet’s permanent ID. It is different from a GPS in the way that it doesn’t use a power source. Note: RFIC microchips are an excellent way to locate your lost pet. However, you should ideally team it with an identification tag or collar. That being said, these microchips are the second layer of protection in case your pooch wanders off in a crowded street. This, coupled with an ID tag, will make for a fast and happy reunion with your pet.

RFID Microchips: Separating Fact from Fiction 

Myth 1: The implant might hurt my pet; the process will involve anaesthesia

Fact: No. Anaesthesia will not be required. The process is very straightforward and similar to administering a routine shot. It is implanted underneath the loose skin (usually between the shoulder blades). The entire procedure will take only a few seconds.

Myth 2: RFID implants work like GPS

Fact: No, these aren’t tracking devices. Instead, these are essentially implants that leverage radio frequency to serve as your pet’s permanent ID. That is also why you don’t require a power source for RFID implants. A scanner is passed over the pet, and the microchip transmits the ID number. Considering there’s no battery, you don’t need to charge or replace anything.

Myth 3: The microchip will not last long

Fact: These are designed to last anywhere between 20-25 years. Once implanted, you will never have to do it again as it will cover your pet’s lifetime.

Myth 4: My dog wears an ID tag and collar. He doesn’t need a microchip

Fact: While ID tags are the first line of information in case your pet gets lost somewhere, an RFID microchip further adds to its security. That’s because it is permanent identification, something that will never fall off or become illegible over time.

Myth 5: Only dogs will require the RFID microchip

Fact: Of course, this doesn’t make sense. An RFID microchip works for both dogs and cats. It is equally essential for cats, considering they often don’t have any form of identification.

Myth 6: The chip will contain my contact details, and I fear that anybody will access it

Fact: All that the chip contains a unique ID. In case the unthinkable happens, and your pet gets lost, it will be scanned at the clinic to reveal the chip that will, in turn, transmit the unique ID. The recovery service will then contact you using the information that is on file in keeping with the pet’s microchip.

In conclusion

If you move from your current residence, you will have to intimate your change of location to the company that registered the RFID microchip. The company will update the new information in its database. Last but not least, do not forget to buy dog insurance for your pet.   *Standard T&C apply Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.