Originally posted by RedHedd
All vets, rescue shelters, and animal control officials
have the ability to scan a cat if it's microchipped...
I hate to rain on the parade, but sadly this is NOT true
in many areas - Mine being one of them!

Although the major Microchip Manufacturers DO have programs to make the Chip Scanners available at either reduced cost or sometimes FREE to Vets, Pounds, and Rescues - those Scanners are just NOT universally available in all areas of the country.

I had a long chat with the County Dog Warden about the use of Chips and Scanners - her slant on it:
"Years ago" when they DID have a Scanner - they went several years and NEVER found a dog with a chip! Then the Scanner developed battery problems - that the Pound would have had to pay to repair... so they just returned it.

Would they use it if I arranged for a new Scanner?
Her answer was: honestly no. It took at least two, sometimes three, employees to safely restrain and scan an unruly dog; and when she had inquired of some local Vets if they sold and inserted Chips - most said the "hardly ever did the procedure".

My Point?
You need to inquire in YOUR AREA to see if the Chips are used;
AND If the Scanners/Readers Are Available and USED
by the Local Vets, Animal Control Agencies, and Rescues.
If the Scanner/Reader is not available and USED in your area -
the chances of you pet being returned because it's "wearing a Chip"
is slim to none.

I truly wish MY area was one that advocated or made it Manditory that ALL pets be Chipped - but I'm afraid we're still in the old fashioned Collar & Tags period.