Microchip identification
Have you ever lost a pet?
Millions of pets are lost, missing, or stolen. No one wants to discover that one of those "lost pets" may be their own. Unfortunately, it happens to one third of all pet owning families. More tragically, only 10% of "lost pets" are ever identified and returned home, which is why you should have your veterinarian safely and permanently identify your pet with an microchip to protect him from being lost or stolen.
What is the microchip?
The microchip is a tiny computer chip about the size of a grain of rice which has an identification number programmed into it. The microchip is placed into a hypodermic needle. Your veterinarian simply injects the microchip under the skin of your pet, where it safely stays for life, providing a permanent, positive identification that cannot be lost, altered or removed, and does not migrate in the animal's body.
How does the microchip work?
The computer memory in the microchip contains a unique number - no two animals will ever have the same number. An AVID reader or "scanner" generates a radio signal that reads the number through the skin of your pet. These scanners are used by humane societies, animal shelters, and animal control agencies throughout the nation, which check each animal brought in. Thousands of pets have been reunited with their owners because of the microchip, and that number is increasing daily.
How is my pet affected?
The microchip is injected by your veterinarian just like a vaccination. There is minimal or no discomfort with the procedure. Puppies and kittens are often "chipped" during an initial vaccination.
How long does the microchip last?
It will last for decades, as the microchip will never wear out.
If my pet is identified with an microchip and then gets lost, how does the AVID system help me find it?
When the shelter finds your pet with its microchip, they will call AVID. They will be given the name of your veterinarian who injected the chip. Your veterinarian will provide the latest information and you will be reunited with your pet.
How important is it?
Dogs can loose their collars before ending up at an animal shelter, and it is possible for a dog to be adopted before their original owner finds them. A recent case happened in San Jose.
Phone: (510) 841 - 4412 Fax: (510) 841 - 3019 email: staff AT uvhberkeley DOT com
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