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There are some 30 million microchips implanted in cats and dogs around the United States, but do all of them work? The answer is no, according to Oliva Sadlowski, CEO and president of Chloe Standard, a new Silicon Valley software company whose goal is to resolve some of the key problems surrounding pet microchip implants, which are actually Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology.
Even more troublesome than a faulty microchip is the fact that the different chip manufacturers have their own databases for registering the code. While many of today’s scanners can read all manufacturers’ chips, a vet or shelter scanning a chip may not have the matching database on hand, which also provides the registrant’s name and contact information. Then comes the time consuming task of calling each database to see if the code is one of theirs – time many overcrowded shelters just do not have.
Adding to these issues, some shelters and rescue groups will microchip a pet in their care, which means that a lost pet might be traced back to someone or to an organization that hasn’t had the animal in years. All of these challenges contribute to the sad fact that some one million pets are euthanized each year that actually have microchips, Sadlowski pointed out, adding that many of these are strays that were not reclaimed and then not adopted.
How Chloe Standard Works
Chloe Standard provides a free search engine application – like Google or Yahoo – that is focused exclusively on helping reunite owners with lost pets. Database companies will provide Chloe Standard with their registered microchip numbers only, not any personal information associated with it. All someone has to do is enter the scanned microchip number into the search engine and it will pull up the correct database, which will have the information on the registrant. The search engine will be available 24 hours, seven days a week.
By using the Chloe Standard database, animal shelters and vet offices can help a pet return home. Also if you find a lost pet in your neighborhood with a microchip tag on it, you can use the search engine to enter the code into the database and contact the owner. You also can use the service to confirm that your pet’s microchip is in fact registered.
What Pet Owners Should Do
The Chloe Standard plans to be available by the end of the year. You can register online to get updates on the company at http://www.chloestandard.com/Register-Email.html
In the meantime, Sadlowski advises all pet owners:
· Check the chip to make sure it’s working properly. Ask your vet or local shelter to scan your pet.
· Advise others to have their pet’s microchip checked.
· Make sure you have your pet’s microchip paper handy in a safe place
· Confirm your pet is registered to you. If not, register your pet with the database company yourself, regardless if it is registered at the veterinary office or shelter.
· Have an updated picture of your pet should it get lost.
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