Why are we against Microchips?

About Microchips

My Experience

Scientific Data

Alternatives to Microchipping

What is a Microchip?

Microchip Problems Outlined

Links and Resources

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

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Griffonpoint Kennel uses

Ear Tattoos with a CKC Breeder Combination

Microchipping is for human convenience alone. Identification through Tattoos is better for the animal, and can result in recovery if the animal is lost. 

Before you Microchip your Griffon, evaluate the risks. Years ago, we implanted Microchips into every puppy, believing that we were doing the right thing for the pups and for their owners.

 

There is plenty of scientific data showing problems with microchips.

 

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Tattoos have been used on small animals for a very long time. Dogs and Cats are ideal for this method of ID, as most often they are pets and companion animals are often handled.

 

At Griffonpoint, we Tattoo the Griffon Pup's ear, before he leaves our kennel.

Tattoos must be kept up, this is usually done with a TATTOO PEN or TATTOO CLAMP by your Veterinarian or your Breeder. Tattoos will fade over time, so re-inking is important.

In Canada, a Tattoo Combination is easier to trace than a microchip.

Vet Specific Tattoos are also effective, and some people tattoo their phone number into the Griff's other ear.

Why an Ear Tattoo?

First of all, If your Griffon is found, most shelters will look into the ears for a tattoo. The nice thing about a Tattoo is that you can see it. Even if it is faded, most can be made out by simply wetting the ear and looking at the letters and numbers. Even if your Griffon is found by a neighbour, they can still trace the Griffon back to you, simply by phoning the CKC (Canadian Kennel Club) and giving them the Tattoo Letters.

With a Microchip, if the shelter does not have the correct Scanner, or if the attendant does not scan the area that the microchip is located, they may never know that your Griffon has a microchip. With a microchip, if a neighbour finds your Griffon, they will most certainly not have a scanner and will not know if your dog has a microchip unless they put the dog into their car and drive it to a Veterinarian (again, hopefully they have the right brand of scanner and can find the microchip).

With a Tattoo, it is very important also to keep your current contact information on file with the Canadian Kennel Club, as that is the only way they can contact you.

 

A Tattoo, in combination with a collar and ID tag is the ideal way to make sure that your wayward Griffon gets home.