What Do You Think About Microchipping?

I just microchipped my Bostons today. My reasons for doing so is because I live with a couple of untrustworthy idiots who wouldn't think to make sure the gate is closed and because I like to take my dogs with me when I travel. Another thing is in the event someone would steal my dogs, I would post flyers with all the information, including the fact that they're microchipped, to all the vets, shelters and rescues in the area. That way, if my dog were brought into the vets office, they'd have a heads up. In fact, that very scenario happened to someone on another board(or it might've been this one before it switched over). Her dog got loose and they spent forever and a minute trying to find her. They sent flyers everywhere and within a month a man brought her dog to a vet and claimed the dog was his. The vet recognized the dog from a flyer and scanned the dog for a chip to be sure. When the vet mentioned that the dog was chipped, the man admitted he found the dog. Within a few days, the dog was back in it's proper home.

Beautiful dogs!!  You should definately microchip them, its the best thing you can do if they are in the care of someone who is actually trying to find you, shelter, etc.  Very good idea to get that done.

I'm all for microchipping. It's not a perfect system, but it gives me peace of mind.

I, personally, have had all my dogs microchipped. If they should become lost and end up at the pound or shelter or at a Vet's office, they have a scanner that reads off a number and that number is directed to you. No, if someone steals your dog, the only way to recover it would be if they lost it or turned it in. The purpose of the microchip is if you should ever happen to have your dog run off say from a thunderstorm, etc. The police have nothing to do with it.
I have AVID chip in my dogs, it goes under the skin and you can't even notice it. Pretty much like a shot. Another popular one is home again. They actually have a web-site you can go to to update info.
Your Vet should have all the info on the one they embed.
I think it is worth it. Security at knowing if your dog did become lost, it would be registered to you.

ORIGINAL: jensw

To change you just call them and from there you can change any info you want on it. I had to do that when I adoped Georgis because her last owners already microchiped her before giving her up, now all my information is connected to her micro # so if anything happens I will be the one called first.

FWIW, I meant change the info if the change of ownership is not legitimate.  For example, Bella's rescue group has to call the microchip company to get our information transferred, so I assumed it was because they are the registered owner. And, as non-registered owner, we can't just change the info.  So, you're saying that if I found a chipped dog, all I would have to do is call the company and change the info??  That seems kind of stupid on the microchip company's part to me.

I don't know all the details but the original owners gave up ownership, the foster program I got my dog from helped me register Georgia so the ownership was transfered to me. They gave me the number to call so I could give AVID all my info. I'm shure there is some secure way of transfering ownership but I don't know exactly how the system works. I'm guessing the original owners had to agree to something like that when they took her to the pound, then when the foster group picked her up they did something. I really don't know but by the time the dog got to me it was simple.

The last time I called them to see if my info was correct I gave them the # then they asked me for my phone number or something that matched the dog ( I don't remember exactly) and then from there they pulled my file from their system. I'm shure if someone else has tried to change ownership with out knowing all the exsisting info then it would make it really difficult. Like I said I don't know exactly how it works but only have an idea.

I was thinking about it it, and I just wanted to add that the only way to get the Chip # is to scan it. So if anouther person wanted to change it they would have to take the dog to a vet or shelter so if anything thoes places might catch if something doesn't seem right about the owners and can check the info before releasing the #.

I was thinking of getting myself microchipped.  I like to get drunk sometimes, and I end up lost.  With a chip someone could help me get home.  But yeah, your dog needs one.  They are a life saver.

I know in Australia our dogs have to be registered with the local council as well. My dog is chipped and when he went to stay with my parents while we are in Canada I just went to the vet and they gave me paper work I had to fill out and sign for change of information then take it to the council where they updated all the information. I had to sign it along with my parents as they are the contact for if something happens for now.
 
It is a great idea all info goes on a registry throughout Australia. I know our vet always runs the scanner over our dog just to make sure it can be located as the chip can move but it's not a problem. This way if the dog happens to get out and picked up by animal control they will run the scanner over the dog to get the number and then be able to bring up your info so you can be contacted.
 
I think a definate must

I think that microchips are great! Just make sure that your pet also wears a collar with ID tags. If your pet were to get lost, ID tags help the average person quickly re-unite a dog with his owner.  For example: someone walking by happens to see your loose dog. If you have ID tags they can call you, and quickly return the dog. If there is only a microchip, it will hopefully be read by a vet or shelter and then returned...... but the process can take longer.
 
As a side note I do NOT have my pets names printed on their ID tags, but I DO have their breed printed on the tag. You would not believe how many people are not really sure my dogs are saint bernards??? and I think that I have a breed that most people would easily recognize. Can you imagine a non-dog persons confusion if they found a skye terrier, or a PBGV? I think having my dog's breed printed on the tags is just one more step to help quickly re-unite me with my dogs should they become lost.

Gypsy was chipped the second day I had her.  Since I showed her extensively, I wanted to make double darned sure I had some form of ID on her. Show rings aren't a good place for jangling tags!