Microchips

What is a microchip?

A microchip is a tiny electronic chip—about the size of a grain of rice—implanted just under the skin between a dog or cat’s shoulder blades. It provides a permanent form of identification that helps reunite lost pets with their families.

 

How a microchip works

The chip contains a unique ID number (it does not store personal data).

When a shelter or veterinary clinic scans the chip, the scanner reads the ID number.

That number is matched in a registry database with the owner’s contact information. The owner can then be contacted.

 

Why microchipping is important🐾

1. Reuniting lost pets with owners

Collars and tags can fall off. Microchips provide permanent ID.

Microchipped pets are significantly more likely to be returned home.🐾

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2. Critical in places with high stray populations- like Hawaii, where shelters always operate at capacity and stray animals are common, identification can mean the difference between a quick reunion &  permanent loss🐾

 

3. Proof of ownership

Microchips help resolve disputes, confirm ownership after disasters or theft, identify pets during evacuations or emergencies (such as lava evactuations) 🐾

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IMPORTANT!!!

A microchip only works if it is registered AND contact information is current!

If you move or change phone numbers, update the registry.