Pet Microchip is a modern chip that basically contains the information of your dog and contact information. If your pet goes missing and someone else finds it, that person can use the Microchip to contact you.
However, things start to get confusing about whether you can read Pet Microchip with NFC on your smartphone. Let’s find out.
Related: Can NFC Be Used To Spy? Let’s Find Out!
Table of Contents
What Is A Pet Microchip?
Pet Microchip is a tracking microchip that is implanted in pets like Dogs & Cats to easily identify them. In the past few years, Pet Microchips have emerged as the best solution to identify lost pets because the traditional tags can be easily removed, but it’s very difficult to remove Microchips.
How Does A Pet Microchip Work?
A Pet Microchip basically operates on RFID Technology, where the transmitter stores the information of the Pet and his/her Owner.
So, when someone finds a lost pet, he/she can use the scanner to scan the Microchip and get information from the Owner. These chips don’t use the GPS, so they don’t need any power source or battery.
Can NFC Read Pet Microchip?
Before we get to the question, it’s important to know how RFID works. RFID or Radio Frequency Identification is a technology that uses low-power radio waves to send or receive data. It’s the technology that is used in most Pet Microchips.
NFC is another technology that is driven by RFID, and the major difference between them is that NFC operates on a specific spectrum that comes with close proximity. It means that NFC can only communicate with other devices if it’s within the close range, normally 4 to 10 cm.
When it comes to reading Pet Microchip, it can only be possible if Microchip is within the range of NFC. However, in most cases, you won’t be able to do it from your smartphone, and you will need a dedicated RFID Reader to access data on the Pet Microchip.
Can I Read Pet Microchip With My Phone?
No, you cannot directly scan a dog’s or a cat’s microchip with just your smartphone alone.
Smartphones do not have the necessary hardware to read the low-frequency RFID signals used in pet microchips. To scan a dog’s microchip with your phone, you need an external pet microchip scanner that is compatible with your smartphone. Here’s how it works:
- You need a dedicated pet microchip scanner device that can read the low-frequency RFID signals (125kHz, 128kHz, or 134.2kHz) used in pet microchips.
- This scanner device connects to your smartphone, typically via Bluetooth or a cable, and works in conjunction with a companion app on your phone.
- You hold the scanner close to your dog’s microchip implant location (usually between the shoulder blades).
- The scanner reads the microchip’s unique identification number and transmits it to the app on your phone.
- The app can then display the microchip number and, if registered, the owner’s contact information from the pet recovery database.
So in summary, while smartphones alone cannot scan pet microchips directly, you can use your phone in combination with a separate microchip scanner device and app to read and identify microchipped pets
During my research, I came across some apps that claim that they can be used to read the RFID Pet Microchip, but those apps don’t work, and many users also reported suspicious behavior by the apps. So, I strongly recommend that you check the reviews of the apps before installing them on your smartphone.
Are Pet Microchips NFC?
No, pet microchips are not NFC (Near Field Communication) technology. They use a different type of RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology that operates at much lower frequencies.
Is There Such Thing As An NFC Chip Pet Collar
Yes, there are pet collars and accessories that incorporate NFC (Near Field Communication) chips, which can interact with smartphones and other NFC-enabled devices. The key points about NFC pet collars and accessories are:
- They contain embedded NFC chips or tags that operate at the 13.56MHz frequency used by NFC technology.
- These NFC chips allow you to scan the collar/accessory with your smartphone by bringing it in close proximity (a few centimeters).
- The NFC chip can store information like the pet’s name, owner’s contact details, medical information etc. which can be read by tapping the collar with an NFC-enabled phone.
- Some brands like Memopet specifically designs collars, harnesses, and leashes with built-in NFC chips for the purpose of digitally connecting your pet’s accessories to your smartphone.
- The NFC chips in these products are different from the microchips implanted in pets for identification purposes. Pet microchips use low-frequency RFID that requires a specialized scanner to read.
So in summary, while regular pet microchips cannot be scanned by smartphones, there are indeed pet collars and accessories available that incorporate NFC technology to allow digitally storing and accessing information by tapping them with an NFC-capable smartphone or device.
Do Vets Scan Microchips For Free?
If you have found a lost pet and you want to find the Owner of the Pet, you can contact your nearby Vet. Many Vet clinics have RFID Scanners which you can use to scan the Pet Microchip and then use that information to find the Owner. In most cases, Vets will do it for free, and you won’t have to pay a single penny to scan the Microchip.
How Do You Tell If A Pet Has A Microchip?
It’s almost impossible to detect a Microchip in a Pet using your hands, and you will have to use the RFID Scanner to scan the Microchip.
Vets usually put these Microchips between the pet’s front legs, and when you put the scanner at that part, the scanner will detect it and get the details of the pet.
Can You Feel Dog Microchip?
No, it’s not possible to feel Dog Microchip by hand as it’s very small in size, and you can’t feel it with your hands. The only way to detect the Microchip in a dog is by scanning the dog with an RFID Scanner.
Is It Painful To Microchip A Pet?
Inserting a Microchip into a Pet is not a complex procedure, and Experienced Vets can do it by causing minimum pain to the dog.
How Much Does It Cost To Put A Pet Microchip In The Pet?
The cost of a Pet Microchip can vary depending on where you live, but the average cost of a Pet Microchip is around $45, which also includes the registration fee in the Pet Recovery database.
Before you put a Microchip in your dog, it’s important that you scan it with RFID Scanners because some dogs already have the Pet Microchip in them.
For example, if you have adopted your dog from a shelter, there is a great chance that it already has the Microchip.
What Does A Microchip Look Like For A Pet?
As the name suggests, microchips are very small chips, and they are completely harmless. The size of the Microchip is very small, and it’s almost equal to rice grain in volume. Also, these chips don’t come with battery or power sources, so they are completely safe to use for Pets.
How do I find the Owner of a Pet Microchip?
If you have an RFID Scanner, you can use it to find the relevant details of the pet, and then you can use that information to find the Owner of the Pet.
Do You Have To Pay A Monthly Fee For A Microchip?
No, Microchip doesn’t come with a monthly fee, and you will have to bear the expense of installing it in your pet. Once it’s installed, it’s there for the life of your pet, and you won’t have to pay for anything else.
Can A Microchip Be Removed From A Pet?
Technically, you can remove a Microchip from your pet, but most Vets won’t recommend it as it can be a risky surgical task. That’s why most vets will advise against it, and they will also refrain from doing it.
How Long Does A Pet Microchip Last?
Pet microchips can last for years, and an average Microchip comes with an operating life of over 20 years, which means that it will keep working flawlessly during the life of your pet.
Conclusion
That’s all, folks. In this guide, you learned how you can read the pet Microchip on your pet. I also answered some common FAQs, which will help you understand why you should install Pet Microchip on your pet. If you have any questions, please let us know in the comments. Also, don’t forget to visit WearToTrack.com for more useful guides.
Also read: Security & Privacy Threats To NFC In 2024 | How To Make It Safer?
As a professional trainer and a gadget lover, I’ve spent a lot of money and time buying wearable activity trackers, smartwatches, and gadgets, and checking them out. My site is focused on helping you with your activity tracking and smart technology journey. I try to provide the most helpful updated content on this subject. Hopefully, you will love my blogs and be a regular around here.
