5 Tips to Find a Pet Microchip!
5 TIPS TO FIND THAT CHIP!
BY DR. BRIAN DiGANGI
Finding a lost pet’s microchip isn’t always as easy as it seems. These 5 simple tips can help turn your next scan into a success and get lost pets back in the hands of their thankful family.
1. USE A GLOBAL SCANNER
There are lots of different microchip frequencies on the market; some are even encrypted. Be sure that your scanner is able to detect and read all the different frequencies that you might encounter in your shelter.
2. SCAN MULTIPLE TIMES
In one scientific study, nearly 1,000 microchips were missed on the first scan, but found on a later one. Scan your animals as often as possible.
3. SCAN IN DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS
Did you know that the direction in which your scanner and microchip interact with each other can actually determine whether or not the chip is found? If the scan comes up negative, switch directions and scan again.
4. CHECK THE BATTERY
Low batteries are one of the most common reasons that scanners fail to find a microchip. Keep extra batteries on hand and replace them frequently.
5. REMEMBER TO SCAN:
• SLOWLY. Most global scanners are designed to read one frequency at a time—move the scanner across the animal’s body no faster than 6 inches per second.
• CLOSELY. Lightly brush the animal’s coat during the scan to be sure the scanner and chip are close enough to connect to one another.
• AREA. Microchips can migrate—be sure to scan a wide area of the body. Start in between the shoulder blades, and then continue down the back, all 4 legs and underneath the neck.
• NEXT STEPS. Do you and your staff know what to do when a microchip is detected? Create a protocol and be sure staff members are trained. Start by checking out WWW.PETMICROCHIPLOOKUP.ORG.
DR. BRIAN DiGANGI, DVM, MS | Senior Director, Shelter Medicine ASPCA
Dr. Brian DiGangi is Senior Director of Shelter Medicine at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. After earning his DVM at the University of Florida in 2006, Dr. DiGangi completed a rotating internship in small animal medicine, surgery, and critical care, a residency in Shelter Animal Medicine, and received his MS in Veterinary Medical Sciences in 2010. Dr. DiGangi has published research on canine heartworm disease, veterinary field clinics, feline adoption, pregnancy detection and immunology. He is board certified in both Canine and Feline Practice and Shelter Medicine Practice by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners. Dr. DiGangi is a member of the Board of Directors of the American Heartworm Society and served two terms as President of the Association of Shelter Veterinarians. Prior to joining the ASPCA, Dr. DiGangi was a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Florida.