MommyLiberty5013 Posted August 21, 2017 Share Posted August 21, 2017 Our dog is microchipped. Every year we spend a fee to have her chip enrolled in a finding program. This year it's up to $20. Not a huge deal. My question is, for a chip to work and match a lost dog with its owner, does the chip have to be enrolled in a for-cost program?? Or can a shelter or vet just scan and get a match? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wonderchica Posted August 21, 2017 Share Posted August 21, 2017 They can just scan and call you. I think the for-cost part is to advertise your lost pet on the websites? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pawz4me Posted August 21, 2017 Share Posted August 21, 2017 They can just scan and call you. I think the for-cost part is to advertise your lost pet on the websites? This is my understanding, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MercyA Posted August 21, 2017 Share Posted August 21, 2017 What company do you use? All my dogs have been microchipped and I haven't paid anything except an initial registration fee (and maybe a small fee when I changed addresses--I can't remember for sure). Definitely no yearly fee, though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QueenCat Posted August 21, 2017 Share Posted August 21, 2017 Check the faqs for your specific brand of chipping. Should be on their website. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Selkie Posted August 21, 2017 Share Posted August 21, 2017 Usually, the yearly fee is for extras like "lost pet recovery services", where they send out an alert to area vets and shelters when your pet is lost. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MommyLiberty5013 Posted August 21, 2017 Author Share Posted August 21, 2017 What company do you use? All my dogs have been microchipped and I haven't paid anything except an initial registration fee (and maybe a small fee when I changed addresses--I can't remember for sure). Definitely no yearly fee, though. We use a program called Home Again. At first it was only $9 per year back in 2007/08. Now, it's up to $20 annually. Still, that is not that much for 365 days of coverage. But I wondered if it's redundant. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ausmumof3 Posted August 21, 2017 Share Posted August 21, 2017 It's free after the initial registration here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MercyA Posted August 22, 2017 Share Posted August 22, 2017 (edited) From the FAQ's on the Home Again website: "As an existing HomeAgain customer, you are entitled to basic recovery service for life. None of the annual membership benefits (Lost Pet Alerts, Emergency Medical Hotline, Travel Assistance, etc.) will be available to you unless you choose to renew your membership for $19.99/year." My understanding is that since you have registered the microchip, any vet or shelter should be able to obtain your contact information after scanning it. You're paying extra so that if your pet is lost, they will send out "Lost Pet Alerts" to vets and shelters, provide "Lost Pet" posters for you to print out, etc. I use another microchip company and they have a similar "added benefits" plan. I didn't bother signing up. Edited August 22, 2017 by MercyA 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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