What Is a Microchip?
A microchip is a radio-frequency identification transponder that carries a unique identification number. It’s roughly the size of a grain of rice. When the microchip is scanned by a vet or shelter, it transmits the ID number. There’s no battery, no power required, and no moving parts. The microchip is injected under the loose skin between your dog’s shoulder blades and can be done in your vet’s office. It’s no more invasive than a vaccination.
 
Why Does My Dog Need a Microchip?
Collars, harnesses, and tags can break off or be removed. Even if tags stay on, over time they can become hard to read. A microchip will permanently identify your pet when they get lost or if they’re ever stolen. That said, all pets should continue to wear a collar and tags that include their owner’s contact info.

How to Effectively Use a Dog Microchip
The unique identifier in the chip won’t do you any good unless you register it with a national pet recovery database. You’ll want to use a recovery service that has access to different microchip databases and technology. A service like Pellink, for example, is a member of the AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) LookUp, so it can check against hundreds of registries’ databases using the AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup Tool.

 
Microchips Are Not GPS Tracking Devices
GPS devices and microchips aren’t substitutes for each other. They’re actually complementary, and each is useful for locating a lost dog in different ways. A GPS may tell you where your dog is, but it can’t provide your contact information to those nearby that would help return them home. It also requires batteries and can be lost, like a collar or tags.

Why Microchip?
Microchips, because they’re inserted into a dog’s skin, are permanent. While they can’t guide you to your dog’s location, they provide a way for you to be contacted by almost any veterinarian or shelter if your pet is brought in.
Microchipping your dog is a simple procedure, it’s not expensive, and the risks are minimal. So, take this opportunity to have your dog microchipped, because the thought of losing them forever is too much to bear.