Microchip VS Tag

1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic by 1 person | Log in to rate

Ranked #5,702 in Animals, #145,498 overall

Microchip VS Tags

I have come across some interesting arguments regarding which is better for pet safety and other informaiton. I am going to share with you everything I have found and let you decide.

Quick Facts 

There are more than 84 million pets in the United States alone

90% of pets lost without identification never return home

1 in 3 pets are lost in their lifetime

17% of dogs are lost

2% of cats are lost

4 million pets are euthanized a year because owner was not found in time

MicroChips 

Microchip popularity is on the rise. There are 2 million pets registered and 150,000 lost pets have been reunited with their owners.

A microchip is a small silicon chip injected into your pet between the shoulder blades and held inside your pet by connective tissue. The microchip is the size of a grain of rice and has no internal source of energy.

When scanned the microchip emits a low radio frequency that provides power to send a code back to the scanner. The scanner can be small with a range of 3 to 6 inches or a larger scanner with ranges up to 20 inches.

So far, no side effects have been reported in association with the microchip. There are various countries that have made the mircochip mandatory for every pet because of the large volume of unidentified pets.

Pros and Cons of the microchip 

Pros

Microchip is injected to the pet like a shot and cannot be removed or lost from pet. It last the lifetime of the pet or up to 25 years. When animal is scanned information concerning the pet is provided through by a code the microchip stores. Increases the chances of pet being returned to owner. Cost from $35 to $55 dollars. Helps with the identification of stolen animals. Increases chances of your pet being found.

Cons

Before 2003, all micorchips used the same scanner. Now with the increase of manufactures and better technology there is no longer a universal scanner. Most manufacturers have their own scanners that may only scanner their own chips. So, if the person scanning a pet has the wrong scanner, it may show pet is not microchipped. Not all shelters can afford to have mulitple scanners available. Shelters may also have a fear of getting to close to an animal that is aggressive, scanners with short range are not effective unless held close to pet. Microchip is not always registered directly to owner, but to the manufacture or to the shelter that original had the chip placed before pet adoption. You still have to have some sort of tag on your pet. If you don't have a tag and a stranger finds you pet, they would have to take your pet to a vet or shelter in order to have the microchip read.

Pet Tags 

Pet tags can be found anywhere. Pet stores, vet offices, and even online. The purpose of the pet tag is so that your pet has identification on them at all times. Typical tags include pet names, addresses, and phone numbers.

Pros

Information for pet is located directly on the pet at all times. Shelters do not need anything but the tag to contact the owner.

Cons

Pet tags can fall off. Collars get broken. Does not help with stolen pets. Small tags do not have alot of space for a lot of information. If a someone who isn't familiar with pets finds your pet, they may not want to spend to much time reading all the information on a tag.

Online Registration 

For tags

There are some sites that provide a database that stores information about each pet. The location of the database is usually found on the pet's tag.

Pros

More information can be stored including name, phone, email, breed, and an emergency contact should you be unavailable. Narrows down how much information someone has to get off the tag. Which is less time the person has to spend trying to see your pet's tag. Most shelters already have the only tool required - an internet connection.

Cons

A connection to the internet is required. Tag can still become lost.

Resources 

Read Further Before You Vote

Home Again
Microchip information and Sales
Humane Society
Browse the humane society for information on sorts of pet topics.
Pet Tags
Online Database Matching System.
Petz Galaxy
Online Database Registration, Articles, Tag Sales, Search Engine for Pets found, Forum. You can register in their database without purchasing a tag from them. The system generates an ID number to be placed on your pets tag or tattoed on your pet. Has an online search engine that anyone anywhere can use at anytime.

Cast Your Vote!! 

Loading poll. Please Wait...

Give your opinions 

Let's duel it out!!

I provided information I had on hand. If you are still unsure check out the resources and let us know what you think.

Which did you choose and why?

Loading Fetching blurbs now... please stand by

Microchip and/or Both

bgamall says:

Definitely use both. I like microchips as a must, but have tags too! You didn't say what the choices are. So I picked the first one. At least put "yes" or "no" Just FYI!!!

Posted November 13, 2008

Pet Tags/Online Pet Registration

 
 
1 of 1 page
 

Tell Us About Your Pets 

Lensmaster

RinchenChodron wrote...

Hi - I have a Russian Blue who was ferrell. He has been chipped. I keep my cat indoors and he NEVER goes out. They live longer that way - no cars to hit em etc. I used to have a tag on his collar but the cat did not like the collar and would scratch too much. It's a hard one to decide which way is best, but definately try to identify your pet if possible one way or the other. This lens gave me a lot to think about! Nice job.

ReplyPosted November 13, 2008

Look For Cool Deals 

Loading Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by
eBay