Dog lovers: I'm considering a tracking chip..

[tedoll78]

My first paycheck is coming this Friday, and I have a vet's appointment the following week for my akita, Jake.

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He's a house dog, and he doesn't get out ever (except for on walks), but I'm still considering a tracking chip implant for him. The one time he did get away from us was to chase a deer. We looked and looked for him with no success, went home well after dark, and found him waiting for us on the front doorstep. So while it may be overkill, I might still want that safety for him. Are the chips safe..? Will the implantation hurt him? How much are they usually?

This came-up tonight in my household, because a neighbor lost her dog this afternoon, and my partner and I have been walking the neighborhood looking for her dog for the past few hours.. :(

[philosophie_en_rose]

1. You won't regret it.

It could save your dog's life by giving the shelter or the authorities a way to contact you.

[RebelOne]

2. Well, all I can say is go for it.

I have been considering the same thing for my doggie. She is a Rottweiler and is always under my control when we go for walks, but there could come a time when she takes off after a cat or other small animal and I can't call her back.

[AlienGirl]

3. I had Gideon (bird) chipped

It was very fast, and he fussed more about being wrapped in the towel than he did about the chip going in. He was a little sore for about a day, but that was it.

Tucker

[Piltdown13]

4. I've had both of my cats chipped

Like your dog, they are not allowed outside except on a leash, but given how good they are at getting out of their collars, it seemed like relatively cheap peace of mind.

My vet charged $31.50, IIRC, for the chip and the implantation (per cat); then, when I actually registered the chip in the database, there was a one-time fee of $17.50 per cat. Apparently my vet is pretty good on the price, because the site itself quotes a cost of $65 for the system. The chip I got is called Home Again.

Neither of my cats had any ill effects that I could see. I'd say, if you can swing the $$, it's worth it.

Edited to add that I also got a little plastic tag to hang on each cat's collar giving the website address and chip serial number, so even if the pet is found by someone who doesn't have a chip reader, they can still get in touch with you through the website.

[RockaFowler]

5. Our Dog Sable Has One

She got it when we took her to get fixed. It's kinda cool if she does get out, and the Animal Care and Control finds her, they know where to find us.

It's a real safety percaution more than anything

[Beausoir]

6. We put one in our Boxer.

Did it at the same time we had her spayed. She had no ill effects from the chip at all.
You have to fill out the registration and send it in, though. That way, if she gets lost nationwide, they will be able to track us down.

It's a great idea. I couldn't bear the thought of losing her.