How to Get An Avid Microchip For Your Pet

Pet microchips are used to locate lost dogs.

The AVID microchip is a type of pet microchip used in dogs and cats for tracking purposes. Many people are starting to use a microchip for dogs that tend to run away, or not listen. A pet microchip is a tiny computer chip implanted under the skin for permanent identification and tracking of a pet. The AVID microchip for dogs and cats is about the size of a grain of rice. It does not cause any harm during or after the procedure. The actual size of a pet microchip is small enough to fit inside a hypodermic needle. A microchip for dogs can be tracked across the United States through a computer system and radio signal. The chip remains inside your pet forever and cannot be removed. A pet microchip gives pet owners peace of mind.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Compare companies selling a microchip for dogs.

   Compare the options and decide if a dog microchip is best. Some people are not comfortable with having a microchip implanted into their pets body, and others are concerned a pet microchip could somehow cause an invasion of privacy. Most people find it to be a useful way to keep track of a pet in case it runs away from home. A microchip for dogs is best for stubborn, poorly trained dogs that tend to run from the yard. The AVID microchip is only one type of pet microchip available. Home Again is another popular option. It's best to compare different companies selling microchips.

2. Choose a pet microchip.

   Ask your veterinarian about pet microchip options. The two common dog and cat microchip companies some people choose are AVID and Home Again. Both AVID and Home Again sell a microchip for dogs that can be scanned in all animal shelters located in the United States.

3. Schedule for implanting of the dog microchip.

   Schedule an appointment with your vet to have the pet microchip implanted. The cost varies depending on the chip you choose, but you can expect to pay between $20 - $50 for the procedure. The procedure is the equivalent of a regular shot and it's administered with a hypodermic needle. A pet microchip does not cost any monthly fees. You only have to pay one time for the implant.

4. A microchip for dogs must be registered with the company.

   Register your pet with AVID, or whatever microchip company you chose, immediately after the chip is implanted. Installation of the chip in your cat or dog will be useless unless you complete the registration process. Complete the paper work that you should have received with your pet microchip. You can probably also complete registration on the company's website. If you used the AVID pet microchip, you will have to register through PETtrac and the cost is $19.95 for one pet and $50 for three pets. Similar pet microchip companies might charge more or less for registration. Make sure you include your direct phone number, full name, and home address.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep the identification tags on your pet. A pet microchip does not guarantee anything. Tags combined with the chip are the best way to keep track of your pet if it runs away from home.

• If you move to another address make sure you update your contact information for your pet microchip registration. You will have to either contact the company directly, or make an update online.

• Pet microchip companies usually charge fees for a name or address change. PETtrac for example, charges $6 to do so.