All of our adoptable dogs and cats are micro chipped at the time they arrive at UAAC. UAAC is the only animal shelter in Utah to offer this service.
A microchip implant is an identifying integrated circuit about the size of a large grain of rice, and is based on passive RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology. UAAC uses American Veterinary Identification Devices (AVID) microchip, which cannot be lost, altered, or intentionally removed.
The chip is injected just under the skin at the back of the neck, between the shoulder blades. Once injected, the AVID microchip becomes encased by a thin layer of protein which anchors it in place for the rest of the life of your pet. It does not pass through or out of the body. The microchip itself has no power supply to replace or moving parts to wear down. Therefore, it can be expected to last for decades - well beyond the lifespan of most pets.
Dogs and cats can be micro chipped at any age over 6 weeks of age.
Microchips have been particularly useful in the return of lost pets. They can also assist where the ownership of an animal is in dispute. If the pet is lost or stolen, and is found by local authorities or taken to a shelter, it is scanned during intake to see if a chip exists. If one is detected, authorities contact the owner, shelter or veterinarian who placed the chip and reunite the animal with its owner.