– 6 minutes
Table of contents
- Wait, what’s a pet microchip & how does it work?
- How long does it last?
- Have you been involved with a lost pet being reunited with their owner, thanks to a microchip? If so, how was your experience?
- Which pets can be microchipped?
- Microchip vs pet ID tags
- Frequently asked questions about pet microchips
- Does pet insurance cover microchipping?
You can’t keep your pets in bubble wrap. That’s why one of the smartest pet safety tips any vet will give you is simple: microchip your pet. Whether you’ve got a fence-jumping dog, or an indoor cat that somehow still ends up in the neighbour’s garage, understanding how pet microchips work is one of the best ways to improve lost pet identification and help your furry family member find their way home.
From answering “Do pet microchips have GPS?” to explaining why keeping your details updated matters, here’s everything pet parents should know about the benefits of microchipping pets, plus a few reasons why pairing it with pet insurance can give you even more peace of mind.
So, does your pet need to be microchipped? We asked Dr Sune Pretorius, a small animal vet at the Shelly Beach Veterinary Hospital, with years of experience (and a loving pet mom to five dogs, five cats, and a parrot).
Wait, what’s a pet microchip & how does it work?
A pet microchip is a tiny, passive Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip, about the size of a grain of rice, implanted just under your pet’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades. It stores a unique ID number that links to your contact details in a secure database, helping with lost pet identification if your pet ever goes walkabout.
Here’s the clever part: the chip doesn’t need batteries or charging. It stays dormant until a vet or shelter scans it using a handheld scanner. The scanner activates the chip using radio waves, and the chip then sends back its unique ID number. From there, the vet or shelter performs a pet microchip look up to contact you. And before you ask: No, pet microchips do not have GPS. They cannot track your pet’s live location or spy on where your cat disappears to at 02:00 every night. They’re designed purely for identification, not tracking.
How long does it last?
A pet microchip is designed to last your pet’s entire lifetime, usually 25 years or more. “It is a permanent form of identification and it’s accepted for travelling anywhere outside our borders. The best part is that it helps to reunite lost or stolen pets with their owners.” Because the chip has no battery, moving parts, or charging requirements, it doesn’t really “wear out” the way other technology does. Once implanted, it simply sits quietly under the skin waiting for the day it needs to be scanned. In other words, which is hopefully never. It’s the tiny life mate your pet forgets about.
Have you been involved with a lost pet being reunited with their owner, thanks to a microchip? If so, how was your experience?
“I’ve seen many pets being reunited with their owner on the same day they were lost. A puppy named Chui was lost, he was brought in and scanned. We phoned the microchip company which requested the chip ID, and within minutes they gave us the contact number of the owner and we were able to reunite them that same day.”
Which pets can be microchipped?
“Any pet that you love can be microchipped, including snakes and birds. The location of the chip is the only difference.”
Microchip vs pet ID tags
“I recommend that your pet still wears an ID tag, with your details attached to their collar. Relying solely on a microchip or only on an ID tag leaves your pet vulnerable. Using both creates a dual-layer safety system that significantly increases the chances of a fast reunion if your pet goes missing. While pet ID tags provide immediate, visible contact information to a finder, microchips serve as a permanent, tamper-proof backup that works even if a collar is lost or removed.”
Frequently asked questions about pet microchips
When it comes to the burning issues about pet microchips, these questions come up often:
Can a pet microchip fail?
Yes, a pet microchip can fail but it’s rare. They are designed to last for years without problems. In most cases, when a microchip “fails,” the issue is actually outdated owner information rather than the chip itself malfunctioning. The chip itself may still work perfectly, but if your cell phone number, address, or email has changed and you haven’t updated the database, vets and shelters won’t be able to contact you. So if you move house, change numbers, or finally stop using your varsity email address from 2012, remember to update your pet’s microchip details as well..
Is microchipping safe?
Yes, microchipping is considered very safe for pets. The procedure is quick and similar to receiving a vaccination injection. The benefits of microchipping pets far outweigh the small discomfort of implantation.
At what age should pets be microchipped?
Pets can usually be microchipped from around 6 to 8 weeks old, although your vet may recommend the best timing based on your pet’s size and health.
Can you feel a pet’s microchip?
Yes, sometimes you can feel a pet’s microchip under the skin. It usually feels like a tiny grain-of-rice-sized lump between the shoulder blades or near the scruff of the neck. Occasionally the chip may shift slightly over time, which is normal. So no, your pet hasn’t secretly swallowed a USB stick.
Can a pet’s microchip migrate?
Yes, microchips can occasionally move slightly from the original implantation site. This is called microchip migration, and it’s generally harmless. Even if the chip shifts a little, vets and shelters are trained to scan the entire body area to locate it.
Can a microchip prove pet ownership?
Yes, a microchip can serve as strong evidence of pet ownership. The chip links your pet to your registered contact details on a national database, which helps to prove you are the pet’s registered keeper if disputes or theft situations arise.
Does pet insurance cover microchipping?
Dotsure.co.za offers cover for microchipping as part of their Wellness Benefits extension. This extension is included in the Ultimate Plan, or can be added to the Vital, Elite, and Deluxe pet insurance plans for an additional monthly premium. The Wellness Benefits Plus extension also covers microchipping and provides additional benefits. Both options are subject to a 60-day waiting period from the date the extension is added, and cover is up to the relevant limits specified in your plan.
Pairing pet insurance with microchipping is one of the smartest pet safety tips for pet parents because it helps to protect both your pet’s health and your finances when the unexpected happens. That’s why vets often recommend checking the chip during annual vet visits to make sure it still scans correctly. Speak to us today about your cover.
