3 Ways to Track a Pet with the Microchip

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3 Ways to Track a Pet with the Microchip
3 Ways to Track a Pet with the Microchip

Video: 3 Ways to Track a Pet with the Microchip

Video: 3 Ways to Track a Pet with the Microchip
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Losing a pet is a frightening experience, but using a microchip can help you find your pet faster. Although the microchip does not provide real-time location, pets that have it are much more likely to find their owners, making the microchip a worthwhile investment. A microchip can help the person who finds your pet to know who your pet belongs to, but you need to keep your contact details up to date. It is also possible to use a GPS tracker, which lets you know exactly where your pet is.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Locating a Pet Using Microchip

Track a Pet with a Microchip Step 1
Track a Pet with a Microchip Step 1

Step 1. Record your pet's microchip number in the chip record

This is very important as the manufacturer has its own registration, but you can also register your pet on a universal tracker.

  • You can choose any site that provides universal tracking such as
  • If you lose this number, call the veterinarian or clinic that installed the chip and see if they have this record.
Track a Pet with a Microchip Step 2
Track a Pet with a Microchip Step 2

Step 2. Wait for a call once your pet's microchip has been scanned

Even though it's hard to wait for news of your lost pet, the microchips need to be scanned so you can review it. If the pet is taken to a veterinarian or shelter they need to scan it to see if it has a microchip. Only in this way is it possible to verify your contact details and notify you of the lost animal.

Track a Pet with a Microchip Step 3
Track a Pet with a Microchip Step 3

Step 3. Ask the shelter if your pet had a chip before you adopted it

Even if you have not installed a microchip in your pet, it is possible that your pet already has one. Several shelters install chips on each of the animals they house. If that's the case, the shelter can be informed if your pet is found.

Let the shelter know that you would like to get your pet back. Keep in contact to see if the pet has been found

Track a Pet with a Microchip Step 4
Track a Pet with a Microchip Step 4

Step 4. Understand how a microchip works

The microchip is inserted under the animal's skin so it can be easily identified if lost. A veterinarian or shelter can scan the chip to find your pet's identification number, which should contain the owner's contact information. In some cases the chip can also help monitor the animal's medical history, if the record you are using allows you to provide that data.

  • Some scanners and chips are not supported. Either way, universal scanners are becoming prevalent.
  • Microchips do not function as GPS trackers, which provide the real-time location of your pet. The GPS can be purchased and put on your pet's collar.

Method 2 of 3: Installing a Microchip and Registering Your Pet

Track a Pet with a Microchip Step 5
Track a Pet with a Microchip Step 5

Step 1. Talk to your veterinarian about placing the microchip

Microchips are easy to insert with a needle and the procedure can be done in a regular office visit. Your pet will not need anesthesia, although your veterinarian can insert the microchip while your pet is having neutering surgery.

Your veterinarian can help you decide if using the microchip is the best choice for your pet

Track a Pet with a Microchip Step 6
Track a Pet with a Microchip Step 6

Step 2. Allow the veterinarian to insert the chip between your pet's shoulder blades

It is recommended that a professional install the chip as there can be setbacks if it is inserted incorrectly. Also, the chip needs to be inserted in the correct location and at a depth that allows it to be read by a scanner. The chip is the size of a grain of rice.

Track a Pet with a Microchip Step 7
Track a Pet with a Microchip Step 7

Step 3. Get an activation ID for you to register the microchip

The veterinarian inserting the microchip must provide an activation code that allows registration of the chip. You will also need a phone number to complete registration. Before you leave the vet's office, take these items with you.

You can call your veterinarian for this information if you forget it

Track a Pet with a Microchip Step 8
Track a Pet with a Microchip Step 8

Step 4. Register your pet's microchip using the registration form

The microchip will not be valid until you complete the registration process. If you do not complete the process, no information will be provided when the chip is scanned. You must call or provide online with the following information: your name, your contact number, the pet's details such as breed, age, color and sex, and whether it is neutered. This way you will be able to complete the registration of your microchip number.

  • Here is an example microchip registration form:
  • You must register the animal's microchip with the company that manufactured the chip. Some companies require a toll-free call for registration, while others allow it to be done online.
  • Some records also allow you to provide information about your pet's health. You can provide data such as vaccinations and surgeries the animal has been through.
Track a Pet with a Microchip Step 9
Track a Pet with a Microchip Step 9

Step 5. Keep contact details up-to-date on record

The microchip is only effective if you keep your contact details up to date. Otherwise, veterinarians and shelters won't be able to talk to you. To change the data, call the manufacturer so they can update this information. Inform them of the microchip identification number and provide the information that needs updating.

  • You will only need to change the microchip information if your contact details change or the pet changes ownership.
  • Some microchip manufacturers allow you to update this data online.

Method 3 of 3: Using an External GPS Tracking Kit

Track a Pet with a Microchip Step 10
Track a Pet with a Microchip Step 10

Step 1. Decide if the GPS tracking kit is best for your pet

You can use both GPS and microchip at the same time. GPS trackers are great for finding your pet wherever it is – you can do this using an app. As long as he's using GPS, you'll get real-time information about your pet's location.

  • Most companies require you to subscribe to their GPS tracking services in order for you to be able to see your pet's location. Due to this fact, equipment is often expensive.
  • It is possible to find equipment that has its own portable GPS tracker, which is paired with the animal tracker, making it not necessary to use an app. Anyway, you need to have the portable tracker to check where your pet is.
  • Some GPS equipment also sends information about temperature, activity level, health monitoring and more. You can choose between a basic model or a model that has these extra features according to your preference.
Track a Pet with a Microchip Step 11
Track a Pet with a Microchip Step 11

Step 2. Buy a GPS tracker tailored for your pet's species

You can find GPS trackers that are suitable for cats or dogs, but some are made especially for one of them. Choose the option that best suits your pet.

  • For example, a large dog will need a model created especially for larger dogs.
  • In cats and small dogs, it is better to use small and light models.
Track a Pet with a Microchip Step 12
Track a Pet with a Microchip Step 12

Step 3. Place the GPS tracker on the pet's collar or choose a model that already has a collar

Your pet needs to use the GPS tracker at all times. Some brands have a tracker that comes with the collar to be placed on the animal. Other models can be easily placed on the collar that the animal already uses..

If you have a cat, choose a secure collar. You can put a small tracker on an anti-hanging collar, which will prevent it from getting hurt

Track a Pet with a Microchip Step 13
Track a Pet with a Microchip Step 13

Step 4. Monitor your pet's location

Once the GPS tracker is placed on your pet you can easily see where it is. Depending on the features of the tracker, you will also be able to monitor where it is going and know where your cat likes to go when he is out and about.

Remember to change the battery as soon as it has a low charge.

Track a Pet with a Microchip Step 14
Track a Pet with a Microchip Step 14

Step 5. Recognize the limits of the GPS tracker

This equipment has some limitations, starting with the fact that it can be removed from your pet due to an accident or someone stealing it. Remember that they are battery operated and require you to change them regularly. They also only work in areas that have good GPS coverage.

  • Some pets may not be able to use GPS trackers due to their size. Some animals may also be uncomfortable with trackers, causing them to try to remove them.
  • For these reasons, some pet owners use both the microchip and the GPS tracker.

Tips

  • Microchips generally last for 25 years, so they should work for your pet's entire life.
  • Ask your vet to scan your pet's chip every time you visit. This will ensure that the chip is always working.
  • GPS tracking kits may not be very useful for animals that spend most of their time indoors.
  • If you lose your pet's identification number the veterinarian can scan the chip to get that number.
  • There is no age restriction for inserting a microchip, so even an older dog or cat can be chipped. It's never too late to track down your pet!

Notices

  • Always keep your pet with identification even if he is using a microchip. This will make it easier to locate the animal if it gets lost. Remember that the microchip can also come loose from the animal's body.
  • In some rare cases, the microchip insertion site may experience some side effects, such as swelling and discharge. If this happens, take your pet to the vet immediately.

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