An Introduction to Microchips

Microchips are the tiny, intricate electronic circuits at the heart of modern technology, powering everything from smartphones and medical devices to cars and household appliances. Developed through decades of innovation and refinement, these semiconductor-based components have become essential to our connected world. They are found everywhere, often hidden within everyday objects, enabling advanced functions such as data storage, real-time processing, and reliable communication networks. Their versatility and accuracy have also led to a surge in practical, real-life applications, notably in “pet microchips,” which help reunite lost animals with their owners by providing instant identification and retrieval of critical information. Evidence shows that widespread adoption of microchips is linked to more efficient manufacturing, faster computing speeds, and enhanced product quality. Understanding their basic principles, development timeline, and growing range of uses allows us to appreciate why microchips remain at the forefront of technological progress, pushing boundaries and improving our daily lives.

If you’re new to pet ownership, you may not be familiar with identification microchips. They’re the best way to keep your pet identified properly for a lifetime! For a comprehensive overview, you can read our article on “Microchipping Pets: Key Information“. Here, a vet in Springdale, ON goes over the basics of microchips for pets:

What’s a Microchip?

A microchip is a tiny computer chip on which a number is implanted electronically. This number corresponds to a database where your pet’s contact information is stored.

The chip is implanted under your pet’s skin, and can be read by specialized scanners at animal shelters and vet’s offices. If a lost pet is relinquished to these facilities, the professionals there can read the chip’s number and quickly get the lost pet back to their rightful owner.

Why Get My Pet a Microchip?

The major advantage of pet microchips compared to ID tags on a collar is their permanence—pets cannot remove microchips, whether accidentally or deliberately. This ensures continuous identification, even in the event of an unexpected escape. For optimal results, many pet owners opt to use both ID tags and a microchip, enhancing the likelihood of a safe recovery.

Another great benefit of microchips is that they’re easy to update if you move or get a new telephone number. You don’t have to buy an entirely new chip—simply contact the microchip manufacturer, and they can update their database in a few short moments.

Can I Use a Microchip to Track My Pet?

Some people make the mistake of thinking that an identification microchip is a tracking device; this isn’t true. Microchips do not allow you to track your pet’s movements in real time, although there are other devices out there that do provide such a service.

How Are Microchips Implanted?

Microchips, such as pet microchips, are implanted under your pet’s skin using a specialized syringe. This tiny device is encased within a glass capsule and is usually inserted between your pet’s shoulder blades. To aid in identification, the area may be marked with a small tattoo, ensuring that the microchip can be easily located if needed.

Is There Any Risk?

The microchip implant procedure is entirely safe and virtually risk-free. There is a chance that minor side effects—some swelling or inflammation—may occur, but these symptoms are easily treated by a veterinarian.

Privacy and Security: Understanding Pet Microchips’ Data Protection Features in 2025

What privacy protections are in place?

Privacy protections revolve around safeguarding personal details associated with each pet’s microchip. The implanted device carries only a unique identification number, not a pet owner’s address or phone number. All sensitive information resides within a secure database maintained by the microchip manufacturer. When scanned by approved veterinary clinics or animal shelters, the chip’s number leads authorized personnel to that protected record, never directly revealing private data. Updates to contact details require contacting the database provider, ensuring owners remain in full control. Without GPS tracking features, personal information stays guarded and confidential.

What are the success rates of microchipped pets being returned?

Microchipped pets have significantly higher success rates for reunification with their owners compared to those with only traditional ID tags. Studies indicate that over 52% of microchipped dogs and nearly 39% of microchipped cats are successfully returned to their owners, which dramatically exceeds the return rates for unchipped pets. Microchips provide a permanent form of identification, making them crucial in efficiently recovering lost pets and reducing the number of animals in shelters.

What happens if I move to another country?

When relocating abroad, a pet’s microchip continues serving as a reliable identification method. Most international veterinary clinics and animal shelters use compatible scanners to read the chip’s unique number. After moving, updating the manufacturer’s database contact details ensures that if the animal becomes separated, veterinary professionals overseas can reach the owner. This process is straightforward, involves contacting the chip registry, and requires only current address and phone details. As long as records remain accurate, the pet’s identification remains recognized globally, helping reunite lost animals with owners in any new location.

What maintenance is required for the microchip?

A microchip implanted under the pet’s skin requires no routine physical maintenance. This tiny device remains secure within the animal’s tissues and does not degrade over time. If the owner changes contact information, the manufacturer’s database can be updated without removing or replacing the chip. Regular veterinary checkups can verify proper function by scanning for the unique identification number. Apart from occasional database updates, no ongoing servicing is needed. There is no cleaning, no charging, and no battery replacement necessary. The chip’s presence ensures a permanent form of identification that cannot be lost like a collar tag.

How can I check if my pet already has a microchip?

To determine if your pet already has a microchip, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian or visit a local animal shelter. These facilities are equipped with specialized scanners that can detect and read microchips implanted under your pet’s skin. The scanner will reveal a unique identification number linked to a database containing your pet’s contact information. This quick and non-invasive procedure ensures that any existing microchip can be accurately identified, helping to keep your pet’s records up to date.

Would you like more information about microchips for pets? Ready to have your animal companion outfitted with one? Set up an appointment today at your Springdale, ON animal hospital. We offer a range of services, including veterinary diagnostics, to ensure your pet’s overall health and well-being.