Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Find a lost pet using its chip
• Method 2 of 3: Have your pet microchipped and registered
• Method 3 of 3: Using an external GPS tracker
• Tips
• Warnings

Losing your pet can be scary, but a microchip can help you find it quickly. While a chip does not provide live information, pets they have are more likely to be reunited with their owners. So it is certainly a good investment. A chip can help the person who found your pet to find out who owns the animal, but you must keep your registered contact information. You may also consider using a GPS tracker, which will help you find the exact location of your pet.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Find a lost pet using its chip

1. Enter the chip number at the register. Make sure the chip number is registered. The manufacturer will have its own register, but you can also have the chip registered with a universal register.
   • You can use a universal tracking site such as http://www.petmicrochiplookup.org/.
   • If you have lost the chip number, contact the vet or clinic that inserted the chip to see if they have the number.
2. Wait for a call when the chip is scanned. While it is difficult to wait for news about your pet, a microchip must be scanned before you can be reunited with your pet. If your pet has been taken to a vet or shelter, they will scan the animal to see if it has a chip. Only then can your contact information be found and you can be notified.
3. Ask the shelter if the pet you are adopting has already been microchipped. Even if you don't get your pet microchipped, he can have one. Many animal shelters chip every animal that is adopted. If your adopted pet has been lost, contact the shelter to ask if your pet has a chip. If so, the shelter can be contacted when the animal is found.
   • Make sure the shelter knows you want your pet back. Keep contacting them to find out if your pet has been found.
4. Understand how microchips work. Microchips are placed under the pet's skin so that the animal can be easily identified if lost. A veterinarian or shelter can scan the chip to find the chip's ID number, which can retrieve the owner's contact information.In some cases, the chip may also contain medical information, if the chip's registry allows it.
   • Some scanner and chips are not compatible, but universal scanners are increasingly being used.
   • Microchips are not GPS trackers, which keep track of the animal's current location. These can be purchased and attached to the animal's collar.

Method 2 of 3: Have your pet microchipped and registered

1. Discuss the placement of the chip with the vet. Microchips are easy to insert with a needle and can be done during a normal doctor's visit. No anesthesia is required, but the chip can also be placed if your pet is already undergoing surgery, such as during spay or neuter.
   • Your vet can help you decide if a chip is a good option for your pet.
2. Have the vet place the chip between your pet's shoulder blades. The chip must be placed by a professional, because problems can arise if the chip is placed incorrectly. Furthermore, it must be placed at the correct location and depth so that it can be scanned by a scanner. The chip is about the size of a grain of rice.
3. Ask for an activation code so that you can register the chip. The vet who places the chip should give you an activation code to register the chip. You will also likely be given a phone number to call to complete the registration. Before leaving the vet, make sure you have this information.
   • If you forget, call the vet later to get the information.
4. Register your pet's microchip. The chip is not useful until you have completed the registration process. Otherwise, no information will be displayed when the chip is scanned. You can call or go to a website to provide the chip number, your name, your contact information, and information about your pet, such as its breed, age, color, gender, and whether it has been served.
   • Here's an example chip registration: https://www.hawaiianhumane.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/MCForm.pdf.
   • You must register your pet's chip with the company that produced the chip. Some companies require you to call a toll-free number, while others allow you to register online.
   • Some registries also allow you to add your pet's health information. You can enter the vaccinations and surgeries your pet has had there.
5. Keep contact information in the registry. The chip is only effective if you keep track of the contact information. Otherwise, the vet and shelters cannot find you. To change the information, call the manufacturer's registration number and provide them with your pet's chip number and the new information.
   • You only need to change the information on the chip if your contact information has changed or if the dog changes owner.
   • Some microchip manufacturers allow you to edit the information over the internet.

Method 3 of 3: Using an external GPS tracker

1. Decide if a GPS tracker is a good choice for your pet. You can use a GPS tracker and microchip at the same time. GPS trackers are great for finding your pet's location through an app. As long as the animal is wearing the GPS, you can determine the current location of your pet.
   • Most companies require you to subscribe to their GPS tracking service to view the information. For this reason, these devices can be expensive.
   • There are devices that come with a separate tracker that is linked to the pet's tracker, so you don't have to use an app. However, you must have the separate tracker with you to determine the location of your pet.
   • Some GPS devices also send information about temperature, activity level, health and related options. You can choose a basic model or a model with additional options, depending on your preference.
2. Buy a GPS tracker made for the type of pet you have. There are devices that can be used for both dogs and cats, but some are designed specifically for one or the other. Find one that best suits your pet.
   • For example, a large dog will likely need a model made especially for large dogs.
   • Likewise, smaller, lightweight models are better suited for small dogs and cats.
3. Attach the GPS device to your pet's collar or purchase a collar with integrated system. Your pet should always wear the tracker. Some brands are sold including a collar, so you can put it on your pet in its entirety. Others can be attached to your pet's current collar with ease.
   • If you have a cat, make sure the collar is safe for cats. You can choose to attach a small tracker to a breakout cat's collar, this will prevent injury.
4. Monitor your pet's location. Once the GPS tracker is attached to your pet, you can determine its location with ease. Depending on the features of the device, you may also be able to keep track of where your pet visits regularly, such as where he likes to hang out when he's outside.
   • Do not forget to replace the battery when it is low.
5. Recognize the limits of the GPS tracker. These devices have a number of limitations, including the fact that they can be removed from your pet in the event of an accident or theft. In addition, they work on batteries, which means that you have to replace the batteries regularly. Furthermore, they only work well in areas with good GPS reception.
   • Some pets cannot wear a GPS tracker due to their size. The pet may find the device uncomfortable and may try to remove it.
   • For these reasons, some pet owners choose to use both a microchip and a GPS tracker.

Tips

• Microchips typically work for 25 years, so they should last your pet's life.
• Ask the vet to scan the chip every time you are there with your pet. This ensures that the chip is still working.
• GPS trackers may not be as useful for pets who spend most of their time indoors.
• If you have lost your pet's chip number, the vet can scan the chip to get the number.
• There is no age restriction on microchipping, so even an older dog or cat can be microchipped. It's never too late to keep your pet safe!

Warnings

• Make sure your pet always wears a badge, even if it is microchipped. Not only does that make it easier to find you if your animal gets lost, but microchips can also work their way out of the animal's body.
• In very rare cases, the injection site may show side effects such as pus formation and swelling. If this happens, take your pet to the vet right away.