Frequently Asked Questions

• Why microchip your pet?
• What is a microchip and how does it work?
• Will it hurt my pet when he/she gets the microchip implanted?
• Why does my pet need a microchip when he/she already wears a collar with tags?
• My pet has a microchip. Is that all I need to protect him if he gets lost?
• How early can I microchip my puppies?
• What about the smaller breeds of animals can I microchip them with the same standard sized microchip?
• Will a microchip tell me my pet's location?

Q: Why microchip your pet?

A: Registered Microchips provide identification for the life of your pet and gives lost pets the very best chance of returning home if lost or stolen.

1 in 3 pets will become lost at some stage of their lives and without being microchipped and registered to a database (Animal Guard) 90% of them won't return home.

So why take that chance - get your pets microchipped and registered today with Animal Guard to ensure their safe return home.

Q: What is a microchip and how does it work?

A: A microchip is a small device about the size of a grain of rice that is injected under the loose skin between the shoulder blades. It contains a unique number (Microchip Number) used to identify the animal. This number links to your contact information on an online registry database (Animal Guard), which allows shelters, clinics, veterinarians, and humane organizations to contact you if you're lost pet, is found.

Q: Will it hurt my pet when the microchip is implanted?

A: It won't hurt any more than a routine vaccination – having a microchip implanted doesn't even require anesthetic. The procedure is simple, quick and similar to administering a vaccine or a routine shot.

The microchip comes preloaded in a sterile applicator and is injected under the loose skin between the shoulder blades. The process takes only a few seconds, and your pet will not react any more than he would to a vaccination.

Q: Why does my pet need a microchip when he/she already wears a collar with tags?

A: All pets should wear collar tags imprinted with their name and the phone number of their pet owner, but only a microchip provides permanent ID that cannot fall off, be removed, or become impossible to read.

Q: My pet has a microchip. Is that all I need to protect him if he gets lost?

A: A microchip is only the first step! You must then register your details to your pet's microchip number. So you can be contacted when your lost pet is found. Also, remember to keep your contact information up to date whenever you move or change phone numbers.

Animal Guard keeps a lifetime record of every registered owner & pet. If you don't register your details to your pet's microchip number or don't keep your contact information updated, the microchip will be worthless.

** It is vital to keep your contact information up to date so that you can be reached**

Please see our Microchip Registration Section for more information or to register your pet online now.

Q: How early can I microchip my puppies?

A: Most veterinary practices & dog breeders microchip puppies between the ages of 5-8 weeks, the procedure can also be done anytime after that. The same rules apply to Kittens, Birds, Fish and other animals.

Q: What about the smaller breeds of animals can I microchip them with the same standard sized microchip?

A: No. For all toy breeds, birds, fish and other small animals it is recommended that you implant them with a mini microchip, which has been specially designed for the ease of implanting smaller animals for both the implanter & the animal.

Our Mini Microchip is 44% smaller that our standard microchip.

Q: Will a microchip tell me my pet's location?

A: Pet microchips are not tracking devices and do not work like global positioning devices (GPS). They are radio-frequency identification (RFID) implants that provide permanent ID for your pet.

Because they use RFID technology, microchips do not require a power source like a GPS. When a microchip scanner is passed over the pet, the microchip gets enough power from the scanner to transmit the microchip's ID number. Since there's no battery and no moving parts, there's nothing to keep charged, wear out, or replace. The microchip will last your pet's lifetime.