About Microchipping

GRREAT began microchipping its dogs in April of 2004 after determining that tattooing is no longer the best option, as it was when we began tattooing some ten years ago.  Technology has made leaps and bounds over the years and microchip technology has improved to the point that it is now a better alternative than tattooing.  GRREAT has decided to partner with AVID (American Veterinary Identification Devices) Identification Systems as our microchip provider of choice.  AVID has proven to be more user friendly with a much lower fee structure for rescues than their competitors.  AVID is also the leading provider of microchips in the industry and maintains the strongest database of it’s kind!

All GRREAT dogs that have not yet been tattooed will be required by contract to be microchipped by GRREAT.  If a previously tattooed GRREAT dog would like to be microchipped as well, there will be a $25.00 fee.  Microchipping will also be available to all non-GRREAT dogs at a fee of $35.00. These fees will help offset the cost to microchip GRREAT dogs and is also significantly lower than the prices charged by veterinarians (typically $50-$60 per pet).  Microchipping will be available at all adoption day events, GRREAT special functions, and specially scheduled microchip clinics throughout our service area.

If you are concerned about the tattoo on your GRREAT Golden, don’t be.  Both GRREAT and the National Dog Registry will still maintain the database of GRREAT Goldens and their respective tattoo identification numbers.  For additional security and safety, however, GRREAT highly recommends getting your forever Golden or wannabe-Golden microchipped!

Microchip services are always available at GRREAT Adoption Day events.  In addition, you may contact the  GRREAT Microchip Coordinator to arrange a convenient time and location.

Microchip FAQ

Q:  Why is it a requirement?

A:   Statistics show that nearly one out of every five dogs in the U.S. will be lost or stolen this year.  Pets that are usually kept inside the house are especially vulnerable; for once outside they can become easily disoriented and lost.  Due to the constant demand for animals for uses such as research, dog fighting, human and animal food, and fur, the ugly trade of pet theft (a well organized multimillion dollar business) has grown by alarming proportions. 

AVID (American Veterinary Identification Devices) was developed by Dr. Hannis L. Stoddard III, DVM, in California in 1985 and was released for general use in 1991 after six years of design and development.  AVID staffs a 24 hour, 7 days a week, 365 days a year hot line and works with shelters, pounds, humane societies, veterinarians, laboratories, dog wardens, and police agencies all across the country to help return AVID-registered pets safely home to their owners. 

GRREAT has entered a working partnership with AVID at a greatly reduced cost.  GRREAT dogs are microchipped and registered with AVID.  GRREAT maintains the individual owner information data base. 

Q:  Where and what is a microchip?

A:  The microchip is injected between the two shoulder blades of the dog with a single use, preloaded syringe after pre-scanning the dog for the potential of a pre-existing chip. Once the dog is chipped the area is scanned with the electronic scanner to ensure the chip is registering properly All GRREAT Micro-chippers have been trained by AVID trainers or Veterinary doctors.

 Q:  Does it hurt?

 A:  No!  The microchip procedure is  painless. It is the same as getting a needle at the doctor’s office. The procedure is much quicker and less stressful on the dog or animal.

Q:  How much does it cost?

A:  There is no charge for GRREAT dogs that have not been previously tattooed.  For GRREAT dogs who have already tattooed, the cost is $25.  For non-GRREAT dogs, the fee is $35.

Q:  Who do I call if my GRREAT dog is missing?

A:  Call the AVID hotline at 800-336-2843, and GRREAT at (703) 620-6593.  

It is important to remember that the benefits of AVID and GRREAT are only as good as our information.  It is your responsibility to keep GRREAT's records up-to-date by relaying all address and phone number changes!  You can easily leave a message on GRREAT’s voice mail (be sure to refer to your dog’s microchip number).

Contact the GRREAT Microchip Coordinator if you have further questions or concerns about our microchipping program.