Help me understand microchips

Seeking Advice
1

I get the basics of microchips and how they work, but I’m a bit confused about the lookup function. I can scan my puppy’s microchip with my Flipper, and it shows the microchip number, which I have documented. However, when I look up the number, I see it’s registered with 24PetWatch, but that’s it.

If someone finds my puppy and scans his microchip, can they access my information?

I’ve linked my phone and email to his Galaxy Tag2, but that relies on someone scanning it with NFC.

How does this all work?

2

Usually, vets have a database with your name and address, but it’s not accessible to just anyone. Only authorized personnel can look it up.

3

So the microchip is really for the vets, not for random people who might scan it? Seems like RFID readers are way less common than NFC ones, haha.

4

Exactly! Plus, most microchips can’t be read by NFC. The private database helps prevent issues like identity falsification or stolen pets.

5

You need to register the microchip with your contact info. If your dog gets lost, shelters or vets can scan the chip and check the database for your details.

6

Two of my cats are microchipped with 24PetWatch and the others with HomeAgain. A home scanner just tells you if there’s a chip. If so, the animal needs to go to a vet or shelter for a proper scan. They can then contact the microchip company to get your info.