About Microchipping

GRREAT began microchipping its dogs in 2004 after determining that tattooing is no longer the best option for identification of your dog.  The improvements in microchip technology have deemed it to be the most preferred method.  GRREAT has partnered with AVID (American Veterinary Identification Devices) Identification Systems as our microchip provider of choice.  AVID has proven to be more user friendly with a much lower fee structure for rescues than their competitors.  They are also the leading provider of microchips in the industry and maintain the strongest database of its kind.

All GRREAT dogs that were not previously tattooed are required by contract to be microchipped by GRREAT.  If you would like to microchip your previously tattooed GRREAT dog, there is a $25 fee.  Microchipping is also available to all non-GRREAT dogs at a fee of $35.  These fees help offset the cost to microchip GRREAT dogs, which is done at no cost to the adopter, and is significantly lower than the prices charged by veterinarians (typically $50-$60 per pet). 

If you are concerned about the tattoo on your GRREAT Golden, don’t be.  Both GRREAT and the National Dog Registry still maintain the database of GRREAT Goldens and their respective tattoo identification numbers.  For additional security and safety, however, GRREAT highly recommends getting your forever Golden or wanna-be-Golden microchipped!

Microchip FAQ

WHY DOES MY GRREAT DOG NEED TO BE MICROCHIPPED?

Microchipping is the best way to return a lost dog to his owner in the event that the dog’s collar or tags should come off.  All GRREAT dogs must be microchipped before their adoptions are final.  In rare cases, the Microchip Coordinator may determine that a dog should not be chipped for medical or behavioral reasons. 

DOES MICROCHIPPING HURT?

Most dogs do not even notice the microchipping. The loose skin around the shoulder blades has very few nerves; this is where mother dogs carry their puppies. Occasionally smaller dogs and puppies may experience minor momentary discomfort when microchipped.

CAN YOU MICROCHIP MY OTHER DOGS(S)?

Yes!  GRREAT can microchip non-GRREAT dogs, at the microchipper’s discretion, for a cost of $35.

CAN YOU TRACK MY DOG’S LOCATION WITH THIS MICROCHIP?

No. The dog must be scanned to be identified.  Scanners are only effective over a distance of a few inches.

WHO CAN READ THIS MICROCHIP?

Inexpensive handheld scanners are available for less than $100.  Most animal wardens, animal shelters, and veterinary hospitals have scanners.

DOES THIS MICROCHIP REPLACE MY DOG’S COLLAR TAGS?

No!  The microchip is important because it’s permanent and cannot be easily lost or removed.  However, special equipment is needed to read the chip.  While a local veterinarian or animal shelter can probably read the microchip, your neighbor or a helpful passer-by cannot.  Your first and most important identification tool remains a personal collar tag with your current contact information, as well as your dog’s GRREAT ID tag.

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY LOST DOG IS FOUND?

 An animal shelter or veterinary hospital can scan your dog and get the unique AVID identification number from the microchip, and then notify AVID by phone.  AVID will look up the identification number and call GRREAT’s 24-hour hotline.  GRREAT will identify your dog and call you.  If you cannot be contacted, GRREAT will recover your dog and care for him until you can be located.
 

HOW WILL GRREAT LOCATE ME IF MY LOST DOG IS FOUND?

GRREAT uses a database to record the name, address, phone number, and email address of every adopter.  If you move or change your phone number or email address, it is VERY IMPORTANT to notify GRREAT so that our records can be kept up-to-date.  Be sure to report any change in your contact information to our Membership Coordinator.
 

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY MICROCHIIPED DOG IS MISSING?

Immediately call the AVID hotline at 800-336-2843, and GRREAT at 703-620-6593.