Myths About Microchipping

The myth:	the procedure to implant the microchip is too expensive.
The myth:	enrolling in the database or service is not necessary.
The myth:	implanting the microchip will hurt my pet.
The myth:	most shelters and veterinarians don't have microchip scanners, so they won't be able to read the microchip and identify my pet.
The myth:	every pet with a microchip couldn't possibly be given a unique number. My pet's number will be duplicated.
The myth:	eventually, the microchip will wear out and I'll need to have it replaced.
The myth:	my cat never goes outside. He doesn't need to have a microchip ID.
The myth:	it's not safe for my dog to have a foreign object inside his body.

The myth: the procedure to implant the microchip is too expensive.

The truth: while the price can vary from one veterinarian to another, implanting the microchip costs about $45. This is a one-time fee; the chip never needs maintenance or replacement. In addition, there is an annual fee to maintain access to pet recovery and database enrollment.

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The myth: enrolling in the database or service is not necessary.

The truth: having your veterinarian implant the HomeAgain® microchip is the first step in pet protection. However, the microchip has no recovery benefits unless you enroll in the HomeAgain service. Your pet is only fully protected by HomeAgain when you activate your pet and provide your contact information (email and phone numbers) and other emergency contact information.

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The myth: implanting the microchip will hurt my pet.

The truth: the procedure is simple, routine, and virtually painless, and it doesn't require any anesthesia. Your pet gets an injection just under the loose skin between the shoulder blades, similar to getting vaccinated. Most animals don't react at all.

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The myth: most shelters and veterinarians don't have microchip scanners, so they won't be able to read the microchip and identify my pet.

The truth: it's true that a microchip won't identify your pet unless he comes into contact with a microchip scanner. Virtually all veterinarians and shelters are equipped to scan your pet should he become lost.

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The myth: every pet with a microchip couldn't possibly be given a unique number. My pet's number will be duplicated.

The truth: the way technology works today, these tiny microchips can hold huge amounts of information. In fact, the microchips are designed to produce 275 billion different identification numbers. On top of that, manufacturers add unique product codes and manufacturer's codes to identify their chips. With all the possible combinations of product codes and ID numbers, there are more than enough numbers to make sure every pet has a completely unique number.

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The myth: eventually, the microchip will wear out and I'll need to have it replaced.

The truth: the chip doesn't have an internal battery or power source. In fact, most of the time it's inactive. When the microchip scanner is passed over it, the chip gets enough power from the scanner to transmit the pet's ID number. Since there is no battery and no moving parts, there's nothing to wear out or replace. The microchip will last throughout your pet's lifetime.

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The myth: my cat never goes outside. He doesn't need to have a microchip ID.

The truth: it's wonderful that you're keeping your pet safe inside, but a guest or a repair person could easily leave the door open, or a screen could come loose from an open window. There's a possibility that your house could be damaged in a heavy storm, flood, or other natural disaster, causing your cat to run away in fear. Pets can even be stolen - particularly birds and exotic or purebred animals. No matter how closely you watch your favorite animal friend, there's always a chance he could get out, and if he doesn't have any ID, he will be extremely hard to find.

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The myth: it's not safe for my dog to have a foreign object inside his body.

The truth: veterinarians have been implanting microchips in animals for years, and the process has been proven to be very safe. The chip is made out of an inert, biocompatible substance, which means it won't cause an allergic reaction or degenerate over time. In addition, HomeAgain is the only microchip on the market today that has the Bio-Bond patented anti-migration feature to help ensure that the chip stays in place.

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