Microchips 1/2

What is a Microchip?

　A microchip is a cylindrical electronic device with a diameter of 2 mm and a length of 8 to 12 mm, like a business card for pets. Microchips can be implanted in the neck of dogs and cats by injection, and it costs a few thousand yen.

The Merits of Microchips

★Reunite with the owner

　When a disaster strikes then a pet gets lost, it is not easy for owners to find their pets again without any clues. If the pet has a microchip with the owner's contact information and address registered, there is a good chance that a reader at a public health center or veterinary clinic will read the information on the chip and contact the owner when the pet is taken into custody.

★Not Distracting

　One way to contact your pet in case it disappears is to write your contact information on the collar, but some do not like collars especially kittens. However, once the microchip is implanted, the pet can spend the rest of its life without feeling uncomfortable, making it ideal for protected cats and other pets that are difficult to train to wear collars.

★Safety

　Although the idea of implanting a microchip in the body may make you worry, the fact is that microchips are very safe. In fact, microchips are so safe that they can be used not only for dogs and cats, but also for snakes, frogs, turtles, and fish.

The Problem with Microchips

　What are some problems with microchips?

★You can't use it without a Reader

　There is also the possibility that the microchip may not be read if the reader is not available or if the manufacturer of the reader is not compatible with the microchip.
　This is a problem that needs to be solved.

Where can you get one?

　Dogs and cats can have their microchips applied at veterinary clinics from around 2 weeks old and 4 weeks old, respectively. The microchip number and the owner's data are registered by the owner in a database at a place called the Animal ID Promotion Organization (AIPO).