Every day a beloved family pet is lost. Tragically, most never make it back home because their owners didn't identify them. The ResQ Microchip is the professional way to identify your pet and is proven safe and effective. A tiny MicroChip that contains a personal identification number distinguishes your pet as a special member of your family. The MicroChip is so tiny that it fits through a hypodermic needle. Just like a vaccination, it is injected under the skin of your pet where it remains safely for life. This inexpensive procedure can be done anytime and protects your pet.

What is the ResQ Microchip?
The ResQ Microchip is a tiny computer chip called a "microchip" which has an identification number programmed into it. This microchip is encapsulated within biocompatible material. The microchip is so tiny it fits through a hypodermic needle and can be simply injected under the skin of your pet, usually between the shoulder blades. This provides a permanent and positive identification, which cannot fade or fall off. A safe, simple and inexpensive way to protect your pet against loss or theft.

How does the ResQ Microchip work?
Each ResQ Microchip has a unique number. No two animals will ever have the same number. The number on the microchip is read with a scanner, a hand-held piece of equipment, which is passed over the skin of the pet. As the scanner is passed over the area where the microchip is located, it reads and displays the microchip number.

A radio signal is used to read this number through the skin of your pet. In addition, the microchip generates a reliability check to guarantee that your identifying number is read accurately. This all takes place in less than half a second.

How long does the ResQ Microchip last?
The ResQ Microchip has no power supply to replace or moving parts to wear down. Therefore, it can be expected to last for decades; well beyond the life span of most pets.

What is the youngest age a pet can be identified?
Animals of any age can be injected with the ResQ Microchip. Puppies and kittens can be identified during their initial vaccines series. Birds and exotics can be identified at any time.

Does a pet have to be sedated for the injection?
No. The injection creates only slight discomfort. Most pets don't even react to it.

My pets never leave my yard. Why should they be identified with a ResQ Microchip?
It only takes one time for the mail carrier, gardener or friend to leave the gate open or the door ajar. Unaltered pets in particular have the desire to roam. Pet theft is also a daily occurrence. Animals such as pure breeds, birds and exotics are valuable and stolen for resale. Any time the pet is lost or missing, animal control personnel can use a scanner to identify the animal and contact the pet's owner.

Could a pet be allergic to the ResQ Microchip?
The ResQ Microchip is inert and biocompatible. There is a very little chance of the body developing an allergy or trying to reject the microchip after being properly injected.

What is PetLink?
PetLink is your 24 hour global recovery network that has saved thousands of pets identified with the ResQ Microchip. Its sophisticated computerized database maintains the information you provide to recover your pet. When you become a member, PetLink can reunite your pet directly with you.

It is important for pet owners to remember to update the information provided to the microchip database, PetLink, in the event that their information changes. Without current contact information on record for the owner, microchips cannot be used to contact the pet owner.

What does it cost to be a member of PetLink?
ResQ offers a no-cost pet registry, eliminating any financial obligation for maintaining contact information. Registering your pet online is completely free of charge, and PetLink offers around-the-clock customer support. Through ResQ's PetLink™ registry database, owners are granted no-cost pet registration and a lifetime of free updates. The PetLink database also provides 24/7 customer support for pet owners regardless of their pet's country of origin.

What happens if I'm on vacation and my pet is found at the shelter?
PetLink maintains "alternative contact" information that you supply. Your pet would be released to your authorized representative. Your pet is protected even when you are away

Concerns About Microchips and Pets
Infections are a concern which many pet owners worry about, but the risk of infection is negligible if the microchip is implanted by a professional using recommended techniques (preparing the implantation prior to implantation, using sterile procedure during the implantation process).

Excess bleeding is another concern which some pet owners express. However, when a microchip is implanted correctly in a healthy dog, cat or other pet, there is very little if any bleeding associated. The risk of bleeding during the implantation procedure is no higher than the risk of a pet bleeding while receiving a vaccination or other type of injection.