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All about microchips
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WHAT IS IT? The microchip is a tiny implantable device, about the size of a small grain of rice. Once implanted, only a skilled veterinary surgeon can remove it. It's a perfect way to prove ownership or to help authorities locate you if your horse or a pet is lost. The chip is encased in inert glass, so it does not react to the body. Most law enforcement, shelters, and rescues should have a reader (aka a scanner). If yours does not have one, please suggest they get one. Some of the scanner companies offer a limited number of scanners free to shelters and other non-profits. It does not hurt it put one in. It feels the same as a vaccination: a quick pinch. |
COMMON CONCERNS:
Today's chips should not migrate.
Claims about the chips causing injection-site cancers are still being studied, but research indicates it's no higher risk than an injection-site cancer due to a regular vaccination. Be aware the lab reports that do show it occurring were side notes in other research studies and those particular lab animals may already have been predisposed to cancers. You may also find it interesting the objection veterinary oncologists made in response to the Associated Press claim that chips caused cancer.
HOW TO CHIP:
- Order a chip and borrow or buy a scanner
- Scan the chip to verify it's working. Scan the animal to make sure he is not already chipped. On horses, the normal spot to chip is halfway up the left side of the neck, just below the mane (see how to sheet).
- Clean the injection spot. While a helper holds the horse's leadrope, quickly insert the needle and when it's fully inserted, depress the plunger. Remove the needle. That's all there is to it!
- Scan the horse to double-check the chip is in and working properly.
- Be sure to record the chip number in his records & record it with a database such as HorseTrac.
- For photos, read the PDF how-to sheet
WHERE TO BUY:
- AVID for equines
- or ask your local vet or shelter
REGISTRING YOUR CHIP NUMBER- Remember: a chip can only be traced back to you if it's registered.
IF YOUR HORSE GOES LOST OR STOLEN |
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LEGISLATION:
- The NAIS: a mandatory food-animal ID database proposed to be nationwide in the US soon. May include horses, even know no horses are raised for food, if we don't speak up. Stolen Horse International offers an overview page concerning NAIS
- Check with your state Ag or Brand Inspection office to see if your state requires or keeps track of chipped equines.
OTHER INFO:
- There are no batteries to go bad. The chip should last the life of your horse or pet.
- The AVMA has a great microchip information page.
OTHER ID OPTIONS
- Other permanent options include tattoo or freeze or hot branding.