Travel with Pets - micro-chipping your animals

We just had Cobaka mico-chipped as we're getting her a lifetime license. To do this, she has to either have the license number tattooed on her, or have a micro-chip.

Who has their pet micro-chipped? Have you had any problems with it? What company's chip is it? Our vet uses HomeAgain. Should I be concerned that if Cobaka gets loose, the shelter won't be able to read the microchip or even tell that she has one, if they have the AVID reader?

Breeder microchipped Ernest puppy before we ever got him. Gave us the 411 though. Typical for breeders to do this, as if you decide you can't handle the dog, most contracts state the dog goes back to the breeder.

He scans as cubed butternut squash - 1.79 for twelve oz.

Kipper -- you still have a collar with a id tag and license for your county or city? I hope so, because when I find a stray dog on the street I usually look for its phone number and name on its collar before I would scan it for its information!

I also just made new tags for Ernest. His collar id is really hard to read now, so I made a new one before we sent him off to Eastern Washington. It has our address, home phone, my cell number and the breeder's phone number as well.

Someone has got to be answering the phone at one of those places if he ever got lost.

Miss Cobaka does have her regular license tag (the county will send a new "lifetime" one once they receive the microchip form from the vet), her rabies tag that lists her vet clinic, and an ID number, and a tag with her name, my first name and cell number, and Mr. Kipper's first name and his cell number. The license will list the county treasurer number, along with her license number, and a message that if she's found, to call their number.

I'm considering another ID tag, listing my parents' number (out of town), figuring that if Mr. Kipper and I are both unavailable, one of them would be able to provide instructions on what to do.

A few months ago, Mr. Kipper and I were visiting my parents, and got back to their house rather late. We saw a dog running loose. I called to her, she came running up, and we found a tag that gave her owners' information, with a phone number. We called, and her owner drove down to get her, very thankful that we found her and called. Apparently, their kids left the gate open that afternoon, and when they got home and let the dog out, she found the open gate and decided to have an adventure. That was enough to convince me that Cobaka needed a tag with our contact information, not just her license. :)

He scans as cubed butternut squash - 1.79 for twelve oz.:D

I got my dogged chipped(HomeAgain) when the breeder warned me about her getting loose. "Don't run after her because she'll run faster.":eek:

:D

I got my dogged chipped(HomeAgain) when the breeder warned me about her getting loose. "Don't run after her because she'll run faster.":eek:

:eek: I can understand getting her micro-chipped. Since Cobaka is part husky, she likes running, so while we're careful to not let her off leash, I fear that if she did get off leash she might take off running. With me, she'll stop immediately, and drop to the ground when I call her, but I worry if she'd do that with my father, when he's watching her, or our friends who dog sit for us.

Our cat was micro-chipped by the rescue group we got him from, and we've had no problems with it at all. When our vet gave him his first check-up, she said if he wasn't already chipped, she'd do it for us, because he looks like a valuable animal (beyond price to my kid :D) and it would help to recover him if he became lost or was stolen.

Also, apparently a number of "kill" shelters don't kill micro-chipped animals because there's a greater chance they'll be claimed.

Our cat was micro-chipped by the rescue group we got him from, and we've had no problems with it at all. When our vet gave him his first check-up, she said if he wasn't already chipped, she'd do it for us, because he looks like a valuable animal (beyond price to my kid :D) and it would help to recover him if he became lost or was stolen.

Also, apparently a number of "kill" shelters don't kill micro-chipped animals because there's a greater chance they'll be claimed.
I've not heard that, but it would make sense. Although, I'd think they'd be able to contact owners quickly to claim their pets.

I've not heard that, but it would make sense. Although, I'd think they'd be able to contact owners quickly to claim their pets.I think it's often the case where the dog escapes from the backyard while the owners are out of town, and nobody knows to look for it for a while. In the pre-cellphone world, not everybody was instantly accessible, and many still take trips out of cell phone range.

I think it's often the case where the dog escapes from the backyard while the owners are out of town, and nobody knows to look for it for a while. In the pre-cellphone world, not everybody was instantly accessible, and many still take trips out of cell phone range.
That makes sense. Depending on the area, our cell phones will be out of range inside a building, so we might miss a phone call about her for a while.

The rescue group I got my dog from microchipped him for me (AVID). Microchipping is the first start; however, everyone must remember to update their information with the company that makes the chip if you move or change phone numbers. If you don't, and the pet gets lost, the microchipping will be less helpful.

What's interesting is I read that still less than 5% of pets are microchipped and it's even less for cats. Some shelters still can't read all the microchips that are out there, so a collar and ID is still really important.

There was a very sad article in my local newspaper about pets getting euthanized at the shelter because the owner couldn't be contacted and came just past the 72 hour (:eek:) window. It's a pretty shocking article.

The rescue group I got my dog from microchipped him for me (AVID). Microchipping is the first start; however, everyone must remember to update their information with the company that makes the chip if you move or change phone numbers. If you don't, and the pet gets lost, the microchipping will be less helpful.

What's interesting is I read that still less than 5% of pets are microchipped and it's even less for cats. Some shelters still can't read all the microchips that are out there, so a collar and ID is still really important.

There was a very sad article in my local newspaper about pets getting euthanized at the shelter because the owner couldn't be contacted and came just past the 72 hour (:eek:) window. It's a pretty shocking article.
:eek: I'd hate to have that happen that I'd arrive just after the 72 hour window. I guess I shouldn't depend on the county license either--who knows if they'll be able to be contacted within a window like that.

:eek: I'd hate to have that happen that I'd arrive just after the 72 hour window. I guess I shouldn't depend on the county license either--who knows if they'll be able to be contacted within a window like that.

Kipper, the article was absolutely awful. I wish I hadn't read it. Our shelter had such bad press in early 2008 (you may remember hearing about Lied), I can't believe they have let something like this happen. I can't believe its contract to handle pets was renewed but that's another story.

So, everyone should make sure that the shelter is the first place you visit if your pet gets out--and make sure you go there personally everyday. Do not rely on the staff to be able to tell you if your pet is at the shelter. They're too overworked even though it should be part of their job.

I would never depend on the county license; my feelings on why the county has a licensing procedure would also probably best be left to OMNI.

I do have a more heartwarming story. My family had a husky named Harry who we picked up literally off the streets. He was a scrappy, smart dog. He was also claustrophobic so roamed the neighborhood during the day and came home at night. He was sick and got lost in a lightning storm when I was 12 or 13. I was heartbroken. I got a call about 48 hours after he got lost from an old elementary school classmate of mine who found Harry. She got our number from the vet who provided Harry's rabies tag. Harry wandered onto a small farm with 8 other dogs and plenty of food. Harry was a really smart dog.

I believe the cats that were rescued from the hell that was Pahrump (http://www.lvrj.com/news/15064111.html) and reuinited with their families were all micro-chipped. Our rescue group in NorCal ended up taking over a dozen Pahrump kitties, and it took months of patient work by many volunteers to rehab them for new homes. Every one was terrified of life, let alone people.

Our two cats are microchipped because we adopted them and the shelter requires all adopted animals to be chipped. Our two dogs will be microchipped within the next couple of weeks because, as of 2 years ago, our city will not issue dog licenses without a chip. The chips used in this area are HomeAgain.

BTW, for those of you using HomeAgain, you can get the first year for free with promotion code HOL07. It still works as of a couple of weeks ago. Unfortunately, it's not good for renewals... :( If anyone knows of a promo for free renewal, please post.

Microchipping is the first start; however, everyone must remember to update their information with the company that makes the chip if you move or change phone numbers. If you don't, and the pet gets lost, the microchipping will be less helpful.



I also have a HomeAgain chip placed in Angel. For most dogs the procedure is painless as she didn't even react when it was done and I highly recommend that everyone give their pets an ID chip.

The advice given by jennj99738 is extremely important as many people totally forget to update their pet's information when they move.

I foster abandoned or strays until we can find either the parents or get them adopted. Tags and chips are a must! It's amazing how many pet owners don't chip or tag their pets.

The head of our foster group just brings over her scanner whenever I get a new foster dog in. In all instances when the dog was chipped or had tags we were able to get them back to their owners.

The couple of abandoned ones I've fostered had no chips or tags and the owners were never found. This includes the two puppies that were thrown from a moving vehicle.

If you are having someone watch your pets when you are out of town have a new tag made that has their phone number on it in case they get loose.

I live in an area where often dogs and cats are dumped and left to be on their own. We have many wild cats around. Survival of the fittest. The former pets have a very rough time. One of my neighbors makes every attempt to catch the strays and have the checked for micro chips.

Why do some people feel that dumping pets is better than taking them to a shelter?

My dogs are chipped and we keep their tags up to date. Three times this years I've found dog collars minus the pets! Fat lot of good that does for the pet.

If you are having someone watch your pets when you are out of town have a new tag made that has their phone number on it in case they get loose.

Great idea.

Eddie is microchipped as well and I highly recommend this to any PET PARENT>

I have urged my clients to get their Cats microchipped. Many of them travel at least several times a year or a month!

kellio33... I never thought of adding the pet sitter name and phone (like me ;) ) to the tag. Will put it in my next CatsUp newsletter. :)

Our two cats are microchipped because we adopted them and the shelter requires all adopted animals to be chipped. Our two dogs will be microchipped within the next couple of weeks because, as of 2 years ago, our city will not issue dog licenses without a chip. The chips used in this area are HomeAgain.

BTW, for those of you using HomeAgain, you can get the first year for free with promotion code HOL07. It still works as of a couple of weeks ago. Unfortunately, it's not good for renewals... :( If anyone knows of a promo for free renewal, please post.
Our vet takes care of the first year of the HomeAgain chip, but thanks! :D
I also have a HomeAgain chip placed in Angel. For most dogs the procedure is painless as she didn't even react when it was done and I highly recommend that everyone give their pets an ID chip.

The advice given by jennj99738 is extremely important as many people totally forget to update their pet's information when they move.
Cobaka jumped when they chipped her. Although, seeing the needle, I think I'd have done more than jump. :D
If you are having someone watch your pets when you are out of town have a new tag made that has their phone number on it in case they get loose.
I like that idea! In our case, my parents usually dog sit, and since they'd be the contact if we couldn't be reached, that makes a lot of sense for us! Thanks!

...
So, everyone should make sure that the shelter is the first place you visit if your pet gets out--and make sure you go there personally everyday. Do not rely on the staff to be able to tell you if your pet is at the shelter. They're too overworked even though it should be part of their job....
This is excellent advice. I volunteer at our local shelter and while I think they are really trying to do things well , I would NOT want to rely on what they think for being reunited with my lost pet. Go yourself and go often.

Our two cats are microchipped because we adopted them and the shelter requires all adopted animals to be chipped. Our two dogs will be microchipped within the next couple of weeks because, as of 2 years ago, our city will not issue dog licenses without a chip. The chips used in this area are HomeAgain.

BTW, for those of you using HomeAgain, you can get the first year for free with promotion code HOL07. It still works as of a couple of weeks ago. Unfortunately, it's not good for renewals... :( If anyone knows of a promo for free renewal, please post.

My little ones came microchipped from the shelter, too, and from what the shelter staff told me, the HomeAgain renewals are not strictly necessary. My understanding is that some of the special services will not be available if membership is not maintained, BUT the data on the animal will be retained so they could still be traced if the chip were read at a vet's office or shelter. I'm not sure if address updates would be viable or not. That would be important to know if you moved.

The shelter where I got my cats has itself permanently listed on the chip record as a contact, so that is also a fallback of sorts. In their last newsletter there was a story of a pet that was lost when movers left a door open while packing the truck. Despite searching then and several returns to the area to search, the pet was gone. More than a year later the shelter got a call from a vet with the pet. They took custody of the pet and via google was able to track down the owner who was in a different part of the country by that point, and who promptly and happily reclaimed the pet. If your pet came from a shelter or breeder, it would be good to know if there were such a permanent record for your pet, as that would be another place to contact if the pet were ever lost.

Here's another story about why microchipping your pets is important. This dog was returned to his owners after he'd been missing for over five years.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08330/930562-51.stm

...
My little ones came microchipped from the shelter, too, and from what the shelter staff told me, the HomeAgain renewals are not strictly necessary. My understanding is that some of the special services will not be available if membership is not maintained, BUT the data on the animal will be retained so they could still be traced if the chip were read at a vet's office or shelter. I'm not sure if address updates would be viable or not. That would be important to know if you moved. ...

I'm confirming what I said above about renewal for Home Again not being strictly necessary in order to retain the basic id service. This thread reminded me to update my kitties profiles and while there, I checked and found this from the Home Again website:

"As an existing HomeAgain client you are entitled to our basic recovery service for life. None of the new services (proactive recovery, emergency service, online health information) will be available to you unless you enroll with the new HomeAgain. There is an annual enrollment fee of $14.99."

I'm confirming what I said above about renewal for Home Again not being strictly necessary in order to retain the basic id service. This thread reminded me to update my kitties profiles and while there, I checked and found this from the Home Again website:

"As an existing HomeAgain client you are entitled to our basic recovery service for life. None of the new services (proactive recovery, emergency service, online health information) will be available to you unless you enroll with the new HomeAgain. There is an annual enrollment fee of $14.99."
Thanks! That's reassuring, although I'll probably end up doing the annual renewal.

Out 3 cats Frank, Dolly, and Lily, are all micro-chipped using Home Again. Never had any problems with the chips. Frank got lost once for a week but, as it turns out, he was in a neighbor's basement while they were away. He sneaked out of our house and into their basement the day they were leaving. I can see why they say curiosity killed the cat.

Bobette

We had two rescued huskies, and in this instance, microchips would not have helped.

The kennel owner's husband drank too much, it appears, and left the kennels unsecured one dark and stormy night we were on vacation. (Apologies to Bulwer-Lytton fans!) They got loose and ran - one was found by some wonderful folks who owned a storage facility - they lured Shawna into a unit, kept her fed and watered and left messages on our answering machine.

Some idiot found our sweet Tanya running on a country road and shot her.

OTOH, we have had all our dogs chipped since that became an option Shawna and Tanya were tattooed,) and after that, we have our veterinarian's telephone number on the collar tag and for contact information (with her permission, of course.) We may be on the road, but our veterinarian's office will be open (except Sundays,) knows our dogs and has our contact information.



:eek: I can understand getting her micro-chipped. Since Cobaka is part husky, she likes running, so while we're careful to not let her off leash, I fear that if she did get off leash she might take off running. With me, she'll stop immediately, and drop to the ground when I call her, but I worry if she'd do that with my father, when he's watching her, or our friends who dog sit for us.

We had two rescued huskies, and in this instance, microchips would not have helped.

The kennel owner's husband drank too much, it appears, and left the kennels unsecured one dark and stormy night we were on vacation. (Apologies to Bulwer-Lytton fans!) They got loose and ran - one was found by some wonderful folks who owned a storage facility - they lured Shawna into a unit, kept her fed and watered and left messages on our answering machine.

Some idiot found our sweet Tanya running on a country road and shot her.

Oh my gosh! What a horrible set of experiences! I was on an animal forum recently getting some product input and there was a thread there about the horrors of boarding & even petsitters and yours definitely belongs in the Hall of Infamy. Poor, poor Tanya. :( I'm so glad Shawna fared better, but that must have been terribly traumatic for everyone. I have thus far managed to find petsitters in the form of former students and thankfully I have not had a bad experience with any of them (I don't count the house being messy -- if the cats are well and the house standing, it is at least ok.). I am so sorry for what your dogs went through.

Some idiot found our sweet Tanya running on a country road and shot her.


That is horrible! Fortunately we have friends that we can alternate babysitting for that are extremely trustable.

Sorry for your loss,
Dale

My German Shepherd Dog has two microchips. He has one that he got six years ago and isn't an ISO standard chip, and another ISO standard one he got when he was microchipped and tittered for easier access to Asia, the EU, the Caribbean, and the UK. Maybe as a result of the extra circuitry, he's set off metal detectors a couple times that were turned up a bit too high. No worries though, as he enjoys a good TSA pat down.

Good point - the USA and most of the world's countries use different standards for microchips - different frequencies as well, so often the chips used in the USA are not readable in other countries and vice versa. Something to think about...

Check the AVMA Microchip FAQ (http://www.avma.org/issues/microchipping/microchipping_faq.asp)

and Wikipedia's article (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microchip_implant_(animal)).

I hope we can ultimately pressure the manufacturers and local animal "control" groups to be sure to make universal reader wands available, to include the ISO 11784/11785 (134.2 kHz) frequency.

AVID and Home Again use 125 kHz frequency, and while that helps if you do not travel with your pet, it almost operates on the assumption (pretense) is we won't. The USDA is pushing for ISO standard, but it's the old Beta - VHS thing, nobody wants to back down.

Banfield "the Pet Hospital" at PetSmart uses "Crystal Tag" 134.2 kHz chips, so sometimes double chipping is in fact the answer - see acoldspoon's post above - particularly if you travel (though most developing nations' animal control outfits will likely not have readers of any kind.)

And the :take away: for a tag and contact info with chips was that we use our veterinarian's telephone number - they are there daily except Sunday, and can be trusted to respond if we are out of town and something happens. (Our newest rescue critters are Basenji and Basenji mix - fantastic escape artists!)

BTW, thanks for the sympathy for our Husky, Telfes and DaleG.

My German Shepherd Dog has two microchips. He has one that he got six years ago and isn't an ISO standard chip, and another ISO standard one he got when he was microchipped and tittered for easier access to Asia, the EU, the Caribbean, and the UK. Maybe as a result of the extra circuitry, he's set off metal detectors a couple times that were turned up a bit too high. No worries though, as he enjoys a good TSA pat down.

I rescued/adopted my dog and she came already chipped but I wouldn't hesitate to have it done if it weren't already done

My 5yo tabby cat Gin is microchipped, its ISO standard and has been done in the UK (where i currently live) because im moving to the USA next month had to make sure it was a chip that could be read in other countries. Also its a requirement for the Pet Passport scheme we here here.

He also has his Id tag with phone number on it, and a purple tag that has his micochip number on it and says in bold writing "Im microchipped"