Stupid Microchip Question

[RitaRetro]

I feel this is a really silly question that has an obvious answer I just can't fathom.

Ok so on social media I'm often seeing posts where someone found a dog in the street. Someone always asks if anyone has a scanner then another member of the public pops up saying they've got a scanner and they are on the way to scan the dog.

But what use is their scanner anyway? It isn't going to tell them who's dog it is as they can't access that information anyway and they still need to take the dog to a vet then get the vet (who does have access to the database) to scan the dog so that the vet can contact the owner.

What am I missing here? Reason I ask is I was actually going to buy a scanner then thought hang on...all it tells you is the chip number so what's the point?

I assume that those with a scanner either work at a vets or animal rescue and have access to the databases. Personally I can't see the point of asking for a scanner for a dog as it's easy to get them to a vet, unless you don't have a car I suppose, but I can see the necessity for cats as they are a lot harder to get to a vet.

That’s what I’m thinking too but almost every post I see someone asks if anyone has a scanner and then another person will offer theirs. The only way I can see this being of any use is if they have access to the databases otherwise they aren’t going to find anything out anyway.

The only thing a scanner would reveal, is whether the dog has a chip in the first place. If there’s no chip, then no point going to an expensive vet.

Google says it gives you the microchip number, you contact the company for that chip and they notify the owners that the pet has been found.

It means you can contact the database company with a chip number and they can contact the owner.

Though the person I know that pops up on my local Facebook group is actually involved with a rescue - but you wouldn’t know that when she posts on Facebook tbh.

That a vet would charge to read the chip of a lost and found dog is awful! Do vets actually charge for this?

Mine wouldn’t

They’d also keep a found stray dog there until the SSCA could come collect it.

I know they do because they post on Facebook when someone hands one in.

Sorry to crash , in our village near to oxford No they don't charge , they might keep the dog and inform the owner that they have the doggy safe and ok , l found a westie in the street and no tag or phone number , l have 2 westies , l took her home , cleaned her up and fed , then to de vet , we had an immediate name and address , l took her home to her owner with all 3 westies in the car safely , l have dog carrying seat belts , her mum was so so pleased as she had lost her partner 6 months previous,, l am William my wife went in feb , so l have a new friend , just a friend as l am mid 70s , walk our dogs to gether and she knows she is safe with me .No vets don't always charge , although a nurse did skyes the lost doggy chip .