Microchip FAQ

A story...

Just before walking into a Manhattan deli, a man ties his dog to a parking meter outside the store. He grabs a coffee, pays for it and walks out. Total time: about 5 minutes. When he comes out the dog is gone without a trace. The man is shocked and very upset. He never sees his faithful companion again.

Think this scenario is unlikely? Think again. Dogs disappear every day.

Wondering why anyone would steal a dog? There are some reasons that may surprise you. It seems like such a despicable crime that it's hard to imagine why anyone would do such a thing. However, it does happen and you should know the best ways to prevent the theft of your dog.

To help our readers protect their dogs and make sure that this never happens to them we have written an article called "9 Ways to Prevent Theft".

My hope is that these tips will spare my Petplace readers from the shock and the pain of being a victim of dog theft. To read this article go to: http://www.petplace.com/dogs/stolen-dogs-nine-ways-to-prevent-theft/page1.aspx

If the unthinkable happens, don't panic. Call the police if you believe your dog has been stolen, then begin your own search. Search the area, talk to neighbors and passersby. Walk or drive slowly through the area several times daily. Hand out copies of recent photographs.

The best cure is prevention, so please take a moment to read these tips and avoid this horrible scenario from ever happening to you or to a friend.

Until next time,

Dr. Jon

P.S. - Don't forget - an ID collar and microchip are very important means of identification if your dog were to get away from you. These are the best ways that you may be reunited with your dog. For more information, read: "Microchipping Your Dog".

Go to: http://www.petplace.com/dogs/microchipping-for-your-dog-s-safety/page1.aspx

P.P.S. - Do you have a friend or a family member that loves dogs and could benefit from this information? If so,  please click on the send to a friend link below.  They will thank you for it.

The computer memory in the AVID Microchip contains a unique number - no two animals will ever have the same number. A radio signal is used to read this number through the skin of your pet. In addition to the number, the microchip generates a reliability check to guarantee that your pet's identifying number is read accurately. This all takes place in less than 40 milliseconds.

Once injected under the skin of your pet, the AVID Microchip becomes encased by a thin layer of protein which anchors it in place for the rest of the life of your pet. It does not pass through or out of the body. The microchip itself has no power supply to replace or moving parts to wear down. Therefore, it can be expected to last for decades - well beyond the lifespan of most pets.

AVID offers an innovative program designed to place readers in shelters at no cost to the shelter, or the taxpayer! Area veterinarians and AVID are donating readers to shelters that promise to check animals for the AVID Microchips.

When a shelter finds a pet with a microchip they will call AVID. If the pet is registered with AVID's recovery network, PETtrac, the shelter will be given the owner's name. If the pet is not registered, they will be given the name of the veterinarian who injected the microchip. The veterinarian will provide the owner's latest information.

PETtrac is a global computerized tracking system for companion animals identified with the AVID Microchip. When you become a member, PETtrac can reunite your pets directly with you.

You pay a one-time fee of $15.00 for a single pet or $40.00 for all your pets (up to 8 pets). There are no annual fees. There is, however, a $6.00 charge for information changes. Change of ownership requires a new registration. Animal recovery workers can find your pet's family directly rather than through your veterinarian.