What is a Pet Microchip and How Does it Work?
Losing a pet is every pet owner's nightmare. Whether your furbaby dashes out an open door or gets spooked by fireworks, the fear of never seeing them again is overwhelming. This is where pet microchips come in—tiny, life-saving devices that help reunite lost pets with their owners.
But how do pet tracking microchips work? Unlike GPS trackers, pet microchips do not provide real-time location tracking. Instead, they contain a unique identification number linked to an owner’s contact details in a pet microchip registry. When a lost pet is found, a vet or shelter can scan the microchip, retrieve the ID, and contact the owner.
So, while a microchip won't help you track your pet in real-time, it drastically improves the chances of being reunited if they ever go missing.
How to Get Your Pet Microchipped
Where Can You Microchip Your Pet?
Pet microchipping is a straightforward procedure, typically done by veterinarians or animal shelters. Some vets also offer microchipping pets at home. Other animal welfare organizations hold free or low-cost microchipping events, making it more accessible to pet owners.
Can I Microchip My Dog Myself?
The short answer is no. While the internet may show DIY microchipping kits, implanting a microchip requires proper medical training and sterile conditions to avoid infections or incorrect placements. Always have a veterinarian perform the procedure to ensure your pet’s safety.
Getting Your Dog Microchipped: What to Expect
The process is quick and painless:
- A microchip, about the size of a grain of rice, is injected under your pet’s skin—usually between the shoulder blades.
- The procedure takes seconds and feels similar to a routine vaccination shot.
- Once implanted, the microchip lasts a lifetime, requiring no batteries or maintenance.
If you're in Hong Kong, microchipping is mandatory for all dogs. Microchip dog HK laws require registration with the Agriculture, Fisheries, and Conservation Department (AFCD) to ensure ownership is officially recorded.
Pet Microchip Registries: The Key to Reuniting Lost Pets
Why Registering Your Pet’s Microchip is Essential
A microchip alone is useless unless registered in a pet microchip registry. If your contact details aren’t linked to your pet’s microchip number, even if they’re found, no one will know how to contact you.
Best Pet Microchip Registry: How to Choose One
There are several registries available, but the best pet microchip registry for you depends on:
- Nationwide coverage – Ensure it is recognized by veterinary clinics and shelters in your country.
- Lifetime registration – Some registries require renewal fees, while others offer lifetime service.
- Multiple contact options – Look for registries that allow you to store multiple phone numbers and emails.
Once registered, make sure to update your details if you move or change phone numbers!
How to Track a Pet Microchip
If your pet is lost, you cannot track their exact location via microchip, but you can:
- Report the loss to your microchip registry so they flag your pet as missing.
- Check with vets and shelters in your area, as they routinely scan found pets.
- Use online microchip lookup tools to verify if your pet's chip is registered and up to date.
Pet Insurance and Microchipping: Do You Need a Microchip Number?
Many pet insurance providers require a microchip number before offering coverage. This helps prevent fraud and ensures your pet is properly identified in case of claims or disputes.
If you're considering pet insurance, check if microchipping is required. Even if it’s optional, having your pet microchipped can speed up claims, especially for lost or stolen pet policies.
Dog Collar Microchips vs. Implantable Microchips
What’s the Difference?
A dog collar microchip is a GPS-enabled device attached to a collar, allowing owners to track their pet’s real-time location. However, they come with limitations:
- Collars can fall off or be removed.
- Batteries need charging.
- Subscription fees may apply for GPS services.
An implantable microchip, on the other hand, is a permanent form of identification that cannot be lost or removed. Ideally, both should be used together—collar trackers for real-time tracking and microchips as a backup for long-term identification.
Microchipping in Hong Kong: What Pet Owners Need to Know
For pet owners in Hong Kong, microchipping laws are strict. According to the AFCD, all dogs must be microchipped and licensed by five months of age. The dog microchip Hong Kong database helps authorities track pet ownership and control stray populations.
To get your HK dog microchip, visit a registered vet who will:
- Implant the microchip.
- Register your details with the AFCD.
- Issue a license, which must be renewed regularly.
If you're unsure about your pet’s registration status, contact a local vet to track a pet microchip and confirm your details.
FAQs About Pet Microchipping
What Information Does a Dog Microchip Contain?
A microchip stores:
- A unique ID number
- The registry's contact details
- (Once registered) The owner’s contact information
A. Does a Microchip Have GPS Tracking?
No. A pet microchip does not have GPS functionality—it’s solely an identification tool.
B. How Do I Update My Pet’s Microchip Information?
Contact your pet microchip registry and request an update. Some registries allow online updates, while others require paperwork.
C. What If My Pet’s Microchip is Lost or Faulty?
While rare, some microchips fail to scan due to shifting positions under the skin. If this happens, vets can:
- Rescan using different angles.
- Insert a new microchip, ensuring registration details match the new ID.
Why Microchipping is a Must for Pet Owners
Microchipping is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect your pet. While it’s not a real-time tracker, it serves as a lifelong identification tool that significantly increases the chances of being reunited if your pet ever goes missing.
If you haven’t already, get your pet microchipped, register the details, and keep your information up to date. It could one day be the reason you find your beloved pet again.
If your pets are in an emergency or if you have general inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact Veterinary Emergency Centre.
📞 General Hotline: 2334-2334
📞 24-Hour Emergency Hotline: 6828-6620
