Agape Animal Rescue & Training Center microchips all of our rescue dogs thanks to a grant from the Barbara J. Mapp Foundation. Microchipping saves lives by helping reunite dogs with their pet parents if the need ever arises. We believe microchips are an important part of our overall mission to ensure the lifelong health and safety of our rescue animals.
Why is microchipping important?
According to the American Humane Society, more than 10 million dogs and cats are lost or stolen every year in the United States. Of those dogs, the ones that are microchipped have a more than 52 percent chance of being returned to their families. This is a 238 percent increase over dogs without a microchip.
How large is a microchip?
The microchip is very small – about the size of a grain of rice. Its components are encapsulated in a material known as bioglass, which is regularly used in implants in both humans and in animals. It causes no harm to your pet and is invisible from the outside.
How do you implant the microchip? Is it painful for the dog?
Microchip implants are virtually painless and stress-free, and no anesthesia is required. The small capsules are implanted through a quick injection between their shoulder blades, just like a regular vaccination. Within 24 hours the chip bonds to your dog’s skin so that it remains in place.
How does a microchip work?
Microchips store a unique ID number that is transmitted by radio frequencies. When a microchip scanner is passed over the pet’s skin, their unique ID number displays on the scanner. This number is used to retrieve information about the pet’s owner and help reunite the dog with his family. Most clinics and shelters have global scanners that can read any brand of microchip.
How do I register my pet after adoption?
We register all of our dogs to Agape Animal Rescue & Training Center. We include instructions for transferring ownership of the microchip in the adoption packet as part of the adoption process.