Microchip Identification

Farmers and ranchers have long used RFID ear tags to help identify cattle but today, different types of microchips are used to safeguard an array of domestic animals. The actual microchip is no larger than a grain of rice and injected just beneath the skin. The actual location where the microchip is implanted depends on the animal. For instance, horses are microchipped on the left side of the neck, birds in the breast muscle, and dogs and cats at the nape or back of the neck.

Although there are different types of microchips, most are comprised of three components to include the chip or integrated circuit, a capacitor, and a coil inductor. All of the elements are then encased and sealed, thereby preventing risk to the animal. Because the microchip is passive, it requires no internal source of power. Instead, the chip remains inactive until scanned.

Key Benefits

Encoded in a microchip is vital information about the animal and its owner. Before an animal can be microchipped, a qualified veterinarian, breeder, or shelter owner will first determine if one already exists. If there is no microchip, one is injected using a special syringe. As mentioned, there are several benefits to having a pet microchipped with a few examples of those deemed most important listed below.
A microchip contains the following:

• Owner contact information
• Name of the animal
• Description of the animal
• Veterinarian and/or shelter contact information responsible for implanting the chip
• Veterinarian and/or shelter contact information responsible for implanting the chip