Where to check a cat's microchip? - briefly
To check a cat's microchip, you should consult a veterinarian or an animal shelter. They have specialized scanners that can read the microchip and provide you with the necessary information.
Where to check a cat's microchip? - in detail
To determine where to check a cat's microchip, it is crucial to understand the process and the tools required. A microchip, typically the size of a grain of rice, is implanted under the skin between the shoulder blades at the back of the neck. This standardized location ensures that veterinarians and animal shelter staff can easily locate the microchip.
The first step in checking a cat's microchip involves using a specialized microchip scanner. These devices are designed to detect and read the unique identification number encoded on the microchip. Veterinary clinics, animal shelters, and many pet supply stores have these scanners available. It is essential to note that not all scanners can read all types of microchips; therefore, it may be necessary to use multiple scanners if the initial scan does not yield a result.
For cat owners who wish to check their pet's microchip at home, portable microchip scanners are available for purchase. These devices allow individuals to verify that the microchip is present and functioning correctly. However, it is important to remember that while these scanners can detect the presence of a microchip, they cannot provide the detailed information about the cat's registration and ownership that is stored in the microchip database.
When a microchip is detected, the scanner displays a unique 15-digit number. This number is then used to access the microchip registry database. In the United States, the most common registries include Petlink, HomeAgain, and AKC Reunite. These databases store vital information about the cat's ownership, contact details, and any relevant medical history. By cross-referencing this number with the database, animal care professionals can quickly retrieve essential information to reunite lost pets with their owners.
In summary, checking a cat's microchip involves using a specialized scanner to detect the microchip between the shoulder blades at the back of the neck and then accessing the microchip registry database to retrieve ownership and contact details. Veterinary clinics, animal shelters, and pet supply stores typically have these scanners available, while portable scanners can be used for at-home checks.