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Ask a veterinary clinic, animal shelter, or animal control agency to scan the dog. If the scanner detects a microchip, it will show a unique identification number—not the owner’s contact details. Use that number with the AAHA Microchip Registry Lookup Tool or ask the provider to help identify the registry, which can contact the owner or facilitate communication.
Where to get a found dog scanned
In the United States, animal shelters, animal control agencies, and veterinary clinics are places to ask for a microchip scan. Call a nearby provider first to confirm availability and any local instructions; hours and fees vary and are not specified by national guidance. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recommends these providers for scanning found animals: Microchipping: FAQs for pet owners.
What to do during the scan
- Ask for a complete scan. A chip can move from its original implantation site. AVMA advises a complete scan with a universal scanner to improve detection. Movement, hair, fat, and nearby metal can interfere with scanning.
- If the first scan is negative, ask whether it can be repeated thoroughly. A negative result does not prove the dog has no chip: migration or scanning conditions may make one harder to detect. A second complete scan with a universal scanner, if practical, may help.
AVMA says common U.S. pet-chip frequencies include 134.2 kilohertz and 125 kHz, with 128 kHz less common; ISO-compliant chips use 134.2 kHz and 15-digit identification numbers. These technical differences are one reason scanner coverage matters. AVMA does not recommend buying a scanner for this task; ask a local professional to scan the dog.
How to use the microchip number
- Write down the number exactly as scanned. The chip transmits a unique identification number to the scanner. The chip itself does not display the owner’s personal contact information.
- Enter the number in the AAHA Microchip Registry Lookup Tool. The tool can identify registry or registries associated with the number, but it does not show the owner’s contact details.
- Contact the associated registry or ask the clinic for help. The registry can contact the owner or facilitate communication. A veterinarian can help with this step if you are unsure how to proceed.
A microchip is not a GPS tracker. As the AVMA puts it, “A pet microchip is not a GPS device and cannot track your animal.”
Recommended Free Tools
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#1 Best Overall
ISENVO Pet Microchip Scanner, 15 Digit Pet Chip Scanner, Rechargeable(190A)
- 【Support Multipe Microchip Formats】Universal microchip scanner supports EMID / ISO11784 / ISO11785 / FDX-B（15 digit microchips）. Please note, the microchip reader CAN NOT read Avid chips, and the 9-digit ID can not be recognized. Only the 15-digit international standard protocol can be recognized. Please check the format of the microchip before purchasing.
- 【Easy To Operate & Fast Scan】Our pet microchip scanner is easy to operate, one button to read. Our microchip scanner adopt advanced RFID technology, responsive and fast scanning, it can better improve the efficiency of work. Please note, if no label is scanned, the device will automatically turn off after 180 seconds, or you can press and hold the button for 3 seconds to turn off the device.
- 【 Large Data Storage】Our pet microchip scanner can save 128 animal chips. It can be transferred to a computer or mobile phone via a USB cable connection. Our pet chip scanner also features a data-erase function, refer to the user manual for instructions.
- 【Rechargeable Battery】Our pet chip scanner supports USB charging, eliminating the need for frequent battery replacements, it can last for more than one year after being fully charged.
- 【Easy To Carry】Our scanners are lightweight and compact, making them easy to carry and ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. The package includes one scanner, a USB cable, and a user manual.
Check for visible identification too
Look for a collar and readable tag, which may provide a direct way to reach the owner. A microchip does not replace current identification tags, according to the AVMA. Follow local shelter or animal-control instructions while trying to reunite the dog with its owner.
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 3
Best Value
Hero Universal Microchip Scanner for ISO & Non-ISO Pet Microchip, Bluetooth
- UNIVERSAL MICROCHIP COMPATIBILITY: Reads all ISO microchips plus 9-, 10-, and 15-digit chips from any brand. Ideal for scanning horses, livestock, pets, and other animals in clinics, shelters, barns, or field settings.
- BLUETOOTH CONNECTIVITY FOR FAST, ACCURATE DATA TRANSFER: Easily sends scanned chip numbers to Bluetooth-enabled devices within a 25-foot range for quick syncing to computers, tablets, or shelter management software. Reduces manual data entry errors and speeds up check-in and intake processes—perfect for busy clinics or multi-pet facilities.
- BACKLIT LCD SCREEN WITH 15-MINUTE DISPLAY HOLD: Features a bright blue backlit LCD screen with bold white text displaying the full chip number on one line for easy reading—day or night. The 15-minute display hold gives ample time to record the scan without rushing, ideal for high-volume or field settings.
- RECHARGEABLE BATTERY WITH AUTO POWER-SAVE MODE: Includes a rechargeable 9V battery and charging unit for long-lasting performance. The auto shut-off function conserves power between uses—great for mobile vets, rescue teams, or animal control officers who need dependable scanning during long sessions.
- LIGHTWEIGHT, DURABLE DESIGN WITH PROTECTIVE CASE: This 7-inch handheld microchip scanner is compact, ergonomic, and easy to carry. Includes a protective carrying case to guard the reader during storage and transport. Built for dependable use in clinics, shelters, barns, or field settings.
Rank #4
Pet Technology Store Halo Microchip Scanner Black,135mm Durchmesser X 33mm
- Stores lost pets chip numbers
- Alerts the user that a pet is missing
- Rechargeable by plugging into a pc
- Reads most microchips in pets, dogs, cats
Rank #3
Yanzeo AR180 Pet Dog Cat Microchip Reader,Stray Animal ID 134.2kHz 125kHz 15 Digits Animal Chip Registration RFID Microchips Scanner
- ❤ Supports Multiple Protocols – Compatible with ISO 11784/11785, FDX-B microchips for seamless reading with one-button operation. Does NOT support FDX-A or AVID chips. The 9-digit ID CANNOT be recognized. Only the 15-digit international standard protocol can be recognized.
- ❤ Efficient Data Management – Built-in storage holds up to 128 tags, eliminating redundant scanning and improving efficiency. The USB transfer feature allows seamless data upload to computers or mobile devices for backup, analysis, and sharing, making it ideal for pet owners, farms, and research institutions.
- ❤ Portable & Durable Design – Lightweight and easy to carry, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. The robust casing provides strong impact resistance, ensuring stable performance in farms, field research, and rescue operations, even in harsh conditions.
- ❤ Built-in Rechargeable Battery – Eliminates the need for frequent battery replacements, with USB charging for convenience. Includes an auto-shutdown function after 180 seconds of inactivity or manual shutdown with a 3-second press.
- ❤ Support turn on/off the pet reader prompt sound. The pet reader is equipped with a speaker, when you scan successfully, the pet reader will "di" to indicate that the scan is successful. If your pet is afraid of the sound of the card reader, please check the instructions in the package and follow the instructions to turn off the sound.
Rank #2
Smoostart Microchip Scanner ISO11784/85/FDX-B/EMID 128 Data Upload to PC
- [Support Multiple Protocols] - Support ISO11784(85)/FDX-B/EMID 10/15 digit microchips.Microchips in other formats cannot be read. Please confirm whether your microchip is compatible before purchasing.(Does not read AVID microchip).
- [Improved Recognition Performance] - Faster recognition speed and larger recognition range than older scanners. Upgraded the sensitivity of the scanner. It can better improve the efficiency of work.
- [Battery Performance Improvement] - Use high-capacity built-in lithium battery. With more battery capacity and faster charging speed. Greatly improved recognition range and sensitivity. Improved work efficiency.
- [Built-in Hardware Has Veen Fully Upgraded] - It uses the latest technology scanning chip compared to older scanners. Now the energy consumption is greatly reduced and the performance is greatly improved.
- [Data storage] - Storage capacity is equal to 128 sets of data.USB upload to computer.
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