Pet microchipping is the surest way to ensure that your pet is returned to you quickly and safely if they become lost or stray. This form of identification is permanent, safe and will stay with your pet for life. A microchip is included with every dog, cat and rabbit adoption. As of January 1, 2022, microchipping your animal is a requirement by Hawai’i law.
Questions about pet microchipping? Give our customer service desk a call at (808) 877-3680 – we’re happy to answer any questions you may have!
Will it hurt my pet when the microchip is implanted?
It won’t hurt any more than a routine vaccination – having a microchip implanted doesn’t even require anesthetic. The procedure is performed by a trained professional and is simple and similar to administering a vaccine or a routine shot. The microchip comes pre-loaded in a sterile applicator and is injected under the loose skin between the shoulder blades. The process takes only a few seconds, and your pet will not react any more than he would to a vaccination.
Will a microchip tell me my pet’s location?
Pet microchips are NOT tracking devices and do not work like global positioning devices (GPS). They are radio-frequency identification (RFID) implants that provide permanent ID for your pet.
Because they use RFID technology, microchips do not require a power source like a GPS. When a microchip scanner is passed over the pet, the microchip gets enough power from the scanner to transmit the microchip’s ID number. Since there’s no battery and no moving parts, there’s nothing to keep charged, wear out, or replace. The microchip will last your pet’s lifetime.
Why does my pet need a microchip when he already wears a collar with tags?
All pets should wear collar tags imprinted with their name and the phone number of their pet parent, but only a microchip provides permanent ID that cannot fall off, be removed, or become impossible to read.
How much does it cost to microchip my pet?
The average cost to have a microchip implanted by a veterinarian is around $45, which is a one–time fee and often includes registration in a pet recovery database. Microchips are included in every adoption and/or spay/neuter and includes registration with 24PetWatch, a national database. At this time, Maui Humane Society does not offer walk-in microchip implementation. Please contact your vet to implement a microchip. Future wellness events will offer microchip implementation – so stay tuned!
Isn't microchipping just for dogs?
All companion animals benefit from being microchipped. All cats, dogs and rabbits adopted from MHS are microchipped.
Cats often do not wear collars, and may not have any other form of ID. A recent study showed that less than 2% of cats without microchips were returned home. However, if a cat is microchipped, the return-to-owner rate is 20 times higher than if the cat was not microchipped.
Can anyone with a scanner access my contact information from the chip?
Microchips carry only a unique identification number and your contact information cannot be obtained from the microchip itself.
If your pet gets lost and is taken to a vet clinic or animal shelter, your pet will be scanned for a microchip to reveal his unique ID number. That number will be cross-referenced with Maui Humane Society’s database and national pet registry services (this requires a subscription), and you will be contacted using the contact information on file with your pet’s microchip to be notified of your found pet. Your personal information will never be given out without your expressed permission.
**It is vital to keep your contact information up to date so that you can be reached if your pet becomes lost.**
How many times do I need to microchip my pet?
A microchip will normally last the lifetime of your pet because it is composed of bio-compatible materials that will not degenerate over time.
Also, since microchips require no power source and have no moving parts, there’s nothing that can wear out and need to be replaced. Pet parents can also check to make sure their pet’s microchip is still working by asking a vet to scan it during their pet’s next checkup.
My pet has a microchip. Is that all I need to protect him if he gets lost?
A microchip is only the first step! While MHS will keep a record of all pets that receive a microchip from us, registering your pet’s microchip and keeping your contact information updated will give your pet the best protection.
Register your pet’s microchip in a national pet recovery database (microchips from MHS can be registered with 24PetWatch) with your contact information, so you can be contacted when your lost pet is found. Also, remember to keep your contact information up to date whenever you move or change phone numbers.
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