>From: Sc Ellis-Blackwell <[log in to unmask]> >Subject: addition to vinyl post & ? about Microchip ID >MICROCHIP ID: >1) Did the universal scanner get developed? >2) What happens if your contact information changes? >3) What is the average cost per animal? Hi, I'm Kim, a certified vet tech. I have had all 4 of our ferrets microchiped by the Home Again microchip. The American Kennel Club Companion Animal Recovery keep the records of all the animals microchiped with the Home Again chip. They send a confirmation letter after they have received the animal information, they want to be sure they have everything correct. As for a universal scanner, I'm not sure if the Home Again scanner is universal. But I heard at the state convention that the Home Again corp. had sent their scanners to all shelters and humane societies--I am not sure if this is factual. But all shelters and humane societies are supposed to scan every animal with all the scanners that they have. At the clinic I work at (in Minnesota), we scan all animals that were strays or came from humane societies and shelters. I am glad that we chipped all our ferrets, but I must warn you so you won't be surprised: they needle they use is meant for dogs and cats, it is very large. My little 1.5 lb. female, who never bites, did try to bite my boss when he injected the chip. But I would rather ask her to go through a little pain, then to have her disappear and not have any hope in getting her back again. Within a day or two, we could not even find the site of the injection, but we could feel the chip under the skin. It doesn't bother any of them, now. As for your question about changing information, the letter you receive from the AKC also has a number for you to call or a form for you to fill out to change anything. We received a new confirmation letter within a week when we changed info. And finally, as for cost, it will vary from clinic to clinic. For instance, the cost at my clinic is around $40.00 per pet and then you must pay a one time registration fee of $9.00 to the AKC. But I believe it is worth it. [Posted in FML issue 1916]