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.

How do RFID Tags for Dogs Work?

RFID tags for dogs work using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to help identify and track animals. Here's a basic overview of how they function:

Working Principle of Dog RFID Tags

1. Dog RFID tags are typically passive, meaning they do not actively send signals.
2. The tag remains dormant until an RFID scanner is nearby.
3. Using electromagnetic induction, the scanner provides energy to the tag, activating its chip.
4. Once activated, the tag emits a unique identification code.
5. The scanner receives the code and transmits it to a database via radio waves.
6. The database retrieves the pet owner's contact information.
7. The entire process is quick, usually completed within a few seconds.

Implantation and Usage

1. A veterinarian implants the RFID tag under the pet’s skin using a syringe-like tool.
2. This implantation method is safe, painless, and minimally invasive.
3. Alternatively, RFID tags can be designed as part of a collar for added flexibility.

How to Track Dogs with RFID Tags?

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of using RFID tags for pet protection:

Step 1. Choose and Implant the RFID Tag

1. Consult a veterinarian to implant the RFID tag under your dog's skin, usually between the shoulder blades.
2. The implantation process is quick, and most dogs experience minimal discomfort.

Step 2. Register the RFID Tag

1. After implantation, register the RFID tag's unique identification code in a global pet registration database.
2. Include your contact information and relevant details about your pet for easy identification.

Step 3. Scanning the RFID Tag

1. If your dog is lost and found by someone, they can take it to a nearby veterinary clinic or animal shelter.
2. The clinic or shelter will use an RFID scanner to read the tag's identification code.

Step 4. Locate the Owner

1. The RFID scanner sends the identification code to the global database to locate your contact information.
2. You will be immediately notified of your pet’s whereabouts.

Step 5. Retrieve Your Dog

1. Once notified, you can go to the location where your pet has been found and safely pick it up.

Read More: Quick and Simple Ways to Relieve Dog Boredom

Benefits of RFID for Dogs

1. Permanent Identification: Microchips serve as a permanent, tamper-proof form of identification in case the dog is lost.
2. Low Maintenance: RFID microchips do not require a battery or frequent charging, unlike GPS trackers.
3. Pet Recovery: In case a dog is lost, shelters and vets can use the chip's unique ID number to locate the pet’s owner in their database.

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. Read More: A Pet Parent’s Guide to 5 Common Pet Surgeries

FAQs

1. What is the difference between dog RFID tags and GPS trackers?

1. RFID tags (Radio Frequency Identification) are small microchips or tags embedded under the skin of a dog or attached to their collar. They use radio waves to transmit information.
2. GPS trackers are devices that actively track a dog’s real-time location using satellite signals.

2. How does a microchip help find a lost dog?

A microchip (RFID tag) helps find a lost dog by providing a unique identification number that links back to the owner's contact information. While the microchip itself doesn't track the dog's location, if a lost dog is found and taken to a vet or shelter, they can scan the chip to retrieve the information and contact the owner. It helps in identification and reunification but does not give immediate location data.

3. Can dog RFID tags be implanted in dogs?

Yes, RFID tags can be implanted in dogs. These microchips are small, about the size of a grain of rice, and are injected under the dog’s skin, typically between the shoulder blades. The procedure is quick, safe, and permanent, as the microchip remains in place throughout the dog's life.

4. What is the frequency of RFID in pets?

The most common frequency for RFID tags in pets is 134.2 kHz. This frequency is used for pet microchips and is recognized globally by most animal shelters, vets, and pet recovery services.

5. My dog has been implanted with an RFID tag, how can I ensure that the information is up to date?

To ensure your dog’s RFID tag information is up to date:

1. Register the microchip with the microchip provider immediately after implantation.
2. Keep contact details updated with the microchip registry. You can update this information through the provider’s website or by calling their customer service.
3. Notify the registry of any changes, such as a change in address or phone number, so that they can update the information linked to the chip.
4. It’s a good idea to check the microchip’s registration status annually.

These steps will help ensure that if your dog ever gets lost, shelters or vets can reach you quickly using the information linked to the microchip. *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.