What is Microchips for Mutts?

Microchips for Mutts is a Mikaela’s Mutt Motel program offering free microchip implantation to the community. Recipients need only to bring their dog(s) to one of our Events when we are offering the program, sign a waiver, and provide current contact information. Mutts leave with some new hardware and owners leave with several copies of the identification number and account access instructions.

For many dog owners, the cost of microchipping their dog(s) is prohibitive or the perceived value of a microchip does not match the price tag. Microchips for Mutts represents our effort to both educate the community about the invaluable effect of microchipping and ensure as many Mutts as possible are microchipped.

While we offer this program to the community free of charge, we do include a small donation card for those interested to help offset the cost of the program. We pay approximately $3.00 for each microchip.

Mikaela has microchipped hundreds of dogs both with veterinary supervision and alone.

What is a microchip?

A microchip is a small Radio Frequency Identifier (RFID) implanted just under an animal’s skin. Standard industry practice is implant the microchip directly between the dog’s shoulder blades. The microchip itself is about the size of a grain of rice and doesn’t typically affect the dog (though reactions vary to the implantation itself).

The microchip contains a unique identification number in its on-board memory. When a microchip scanner activates near the chip, a the scanner sends a radio signal to the microchip. The microchip absorbs energy from the signal and uses that energy to send back its unique identification number to the scanner. Personnel using the scanner then search a database for the unique identification number and its associated contact information.

Microchipping your dog and keeping the contact information current and accurate significantly increases the chances of return over an un-microchipped dog. A collar and tags are not sufficient as exclusive identification as the dog may slip the collar or malicious parties may remove the collar and tags. Surgical removal of an identification microchip is a criminal offense so veterinarians do not perform such an operation.

Animal shelters are over-capacity and most jurisdictions have legal obligations regarding the length of time shelters must hold strays. A microchipped dog returned to its owner keeps shelter kennels empty for other dogs in need.

We cannot overstate the importance of microchipping. That’s why we’re doing it for free.

What a microchip isn’t.

The microchips we implant are not GPS devices. They do not track or transmit location data at any time. They remain in an inactive state until energized by the radio frequency signal transmitted by a microchip scanner.

The microchips we implant are not automatic alert devices. The microchip does not record each scan. It is up to the personnel scanning the chip to look up the contact information and contact the listed party. If your dog escapes, call local shelters and vet clinics and provide them with a description of your dog and the microchip number. Include the microchip number on any lost dog flyers created.

The microchips we provide for Microchips for Mutts are not maintained by Mikaela’s Mutt Motel. We provide owners with account access instructions and they must login to update information as it changes. Following initial registration, Mikaela’s Mutt Motel does not update contact information. Note this is different from dogs adopted from Mikaela’s Mutt Motel. We do maintain control of those microchips and adopters should contact us to update contact information.

The fine print

This is an on-going program, not a one-time event. Each offering of Microchips for Mutts is typically limited to 60 microchips so if you are unable to receive a microchip, follow our site and socials for the next program offering. Additionally, in order to provide this program to as much of the community as possible, there is a limit of 4 free microchips per household.

As a growing rescue, we are focusing exclusively on dogs at this time. We cannot microchip cats, lizards, birds, or small children at this time. We are exploring expansion or a joint effort with other local animal rescues.

For the safety of all Mutts in the community, we strongly discourage bringing dogs that are not fully vaccinated to any public place frequented by dogs. We ask that you ensure your dog(s) is/are up-to-date on all vaccinations and that the vaccinations are in full effect. This typically means the dog has had at least 4 rounds of distemper/parvo vaccine administered with at least 2 weeks between each round and the final round having been after 16 weeks of age. It is generally accepted that the final round reaches full efficacy approximately 2 weeks after being delivered. Please speak with your veterinarian for any further clarification. If you are not comfortable bringing your unvaccinated dog to one of our events, please contact us and we will attempt to make alternate arrangements for microchip implantation (as availability and supplies allow).

Microchip implantation is similar to the sensation of receiving a vaccination. Most dogs present minimal response to implantation. However, all dogs are different. If you’re dog is too reactive to implantation or poses a safety risk to itself or others, we reserve the right to refuse implantation. On a case-by-case basis we will evaluate alternatives such as a different setting. You may also speak with your veterinarian about sedation options for a future attempt.