According to the Humane Society of America, over 20 million pets are euthanized each year. Whether their collars and tags have fallen off, or they never had them at all doesn’t matter. The fact remains that these cats and dogs cannot be reunited with owners, because they cannot be identified.
Many animal shelters in the United States, Canada, and other countries support and encourage implanting household pets with microchip identification chips. Should a pet become lost or stolen, an embedded microchip greatly increases the chances of getting back home to their owner.
Recommended by Humane Society
One such microchip manufacturer, often used by and promoted by many Humane Society chapters across the United States is 24PetWatch™. Their service is fairly inexpensive, at only about $30 to $50 per pet. The microchip is embedded under the scruff of the skin around the shoulder. It can be done at adoption or at any vaccination visit.
With the microchip activation remaining on average up to 25 years, the chances of the chip failing is minimal. However, if the animal is likely to be taking a long trip or a family move is planned, it is advised to have the microchip checked. Any animal shelter or veterinary clinic will check the chip free of charge. Call ahead, as the clinic or shelter may have designated times for such service.
International Registration Issues
24PetWatch™ is not an international registration service. If a pet is lost outside the United States, 24PetWatch™ records will not be accessible to a clinic or shelter to check against the microchip’s identification number read by the scanners they have available.
No international pet identification database is mentioned on any of the company information. It only mentions nationwide databases, in regard to pet identification and recovery through 24PetWatch. ™
If the pet may ever be in a country outside the United States, it is recommended the owner register the pet’s 24PetWatch™ identification number with an international pet identification service, such as PetLink.net.
Microchips Implanted 2003 to Present
If a pet’s microchip was injected before 2003, a universal scanner can read any brand of microchip injected into an animal. However, in late 2003 according to the Humane Society, all companies developed chips requiring each company’s own scanner to read the microchips, including 24PetWatch™.
If the company has not given a free scanner to the shelter or vet’s office, then expense often prevents them from purchasing them. The Humane Society is working hard to push manufacturers to use their technology to again create universal scanners. In the meantime, pet owners must make sure their pet has a chip from a manufacturer that their local shelter and vet have a scanner to match.
EmergencyCare Service VS. 24PetWatch™ Service
24PetWatch™ website’s statement, “With industry exclusive services, such as EmergencyCare, 24PetWatch™ provides convenient access to your pet's medical records anywhere in the world…,” is very misleading. EmergencyCare is an additional service and fee over and above the 24PetWatch™ microchip.
Additional Products and Shipping Details
24PetWatch™ offers a durable stainless steel, replacement ID tag shaped like a heart or a bone, for about $12.00 including shipping and emergency pet insurance. It comes in a variety of colors and is easily worth the price. The yellow plastic ID tag that comes with the microchip injection is over-sized and, being plastic, is not as durable as the metal replacement tag.
The 24PetWatch™ website replacement collar tag page shows only the business address of Buffalo, New York. However, the metal ID tag is shipped from Canada, and 24PetWatch™ does not disclose this fact.
That’s not an issue if you live in Canada, but if you live in any other country, it might be. Payment is accepted by credit card only, and credit cards charge international shipping fees. The buyer does not see this on the 24PetWatch™ purchase statement website printout, but finds it weeks later on the credit card statement.
24PetWatch™ Ratings, Comments, and Company Details
Ratings:
Product 5/5
Value 3/5
Customer Service 2/5
Ratings Comments:
The microchip lasts 25 years on average, and the average dog or cat is lucky to live to age 15. This product is worthy of a 5/5 rating, since it remains activated throughout the life of the pet. The value over all earns just a 3/5 rating, because the collar tag that comes with the microchip injection could be so much better quality for little to no more cost to 24PetWatch™ and the size is prohibitively large for some pets. Customer service rating only earns a 2/5, because of vague and missing important details in the sales information on products.
24PetWatch™ Company Details:
24PetWatch™ Phone 1-866-597-2424
Canada: 710 Dorval Drive, Suite 400, Oakville, ON L6K3V7
United States: P.O. Box 2150, Buffalo, NY 14240-2150
Disclaimer
The opinions and experiences expressed in this review are for informational purposes only. Pet safety issues are the owner’s individual decision in conjunction with local pet regulations and laws. Questions or protocol about this product should be directed to 24PetWatch™, and your local veterinary clinic, county animal shelter, or the Humane Society chapter nearest you.
For further reading, see Lynn Pritchett's article, Prevent Permanent Pet Loss with High-Tech Pet ID.
 |
 |
 |
