This following content was posted in December of 2016. Here to this day, September 27, 2023, all the following holds true. There are smoke and mirrors youtube videos and entertainment apps you can read about below, but it’s all bullsh*t.
People often ask me, “Michael, are there any apps to say if a dog is chipped? Is there a pet microchip reader android app? Is there a pet microchip reader app for iPhone? Can I scan my pet’s microchip with my iPhone?” Others suggest that I invent an “app” that can scan a pet for a microchip.
Unfortunately, no. A smart phone can not and will not ever be able to read a pet’s microchip. There are no apps for iphone or android that do this and there never will be. There will never be an iphone, android- google, samsung or otherwise that will ever have that capability.
Explore the advancements in pet microchip scanning technology in our latest article.
Microchip scanners are totally separate units that are not part of your phone nor even as their own stand alone devices.
As noted in a recent report prepared for Peeva by Dr. Albert H. Titus– the Professor and Chair at the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University at Buffalo, Reasons have to do with size, power, sensitivity, and orientation.
The coil and capacitor are designed (sized) to be sensitive to a particular radio frequency for the application. Then the RF signal must match the tuned frequency of the internal antenna coil, capacitor and chip, otherwise RF signals will not produce a response or an output. In theory the RF source frequency must match the RFID required frequency exactly, although in practice it is not necessary. The unregulated 120 to 150kHz frequency band is designated as the band for animal ID, so all pet RFID tags operate within this frequency range….
Your pet’s microchip has no purpose unless it’s registered in a database that is actively searched.
Frequency and Range
The frequencies used in the United States are 125kHz, 128kHz, and 134.2 kHz. It is possible to have a signal generator that produces and receives a “broad” spectrum of signals so that one device could work with two different RFID tag types, but a more practical approach would be to have a tunable reader that allows the user to select a channel (frequency) until an output is received from the RFID tag.
Most of the RFID systems used for pet identification use near field communication using either Inductive/ Capacitive coupling. Capacitive/Inductive coupling uses capacitive/inductive effects to provide the coupling between the tag and the reader. When the tag is placed close enough to the reader, the RF time varying signal generated by the reader is picked up and rectified within the tag and used to power the devices within the tag. To modulate data from the tag to the reader, the tag circuitry changes the load and this can be detected by the reader as a result of the mutual coupling.
The internal coiling mechanisms communication/power source components (antenna coil and capacitor) required to work in a cell phone would require an entirely new phone design to not only accommodate for the device, but to also satisfy FCC requirements as they radiate ‘energy’. It would be much too large and clunky (Think Zac Morris or Michael Douglas in the first Wall Street movie.)
Unless, one has an overly insatiable desire to push well beyond the boundaries of convention to the point that even the most pretentious hipsters and normcore alike would think you were clearly trying too hard; you are more than likely not going to let the big clunky inconvenience effect your every day life. With that noted, it’s safe to say Apple, Samsung and and any other cell phone manufacturers are not going to introduce it to the world.
Then there are the smoke and mirrors Youtube videos such as the one below. First off, the attachment is not an antenna of any kind. It looks quite similar to a piece to a childs fisher price toy that may have fallen off a tree house or something… and then stuck in the headphone jack?
Eitherway, if you read the comments nobody can find it anywhere… Where to buy? Anyone that would front the capital for an OEM in mass quantities with circuitry, the various components, and 3d printing would at least have an online store.
The antenna is also way too small.
Eitherway, it is an external attachment much like the below device that is also very pricey in comparison to Universal Scanners offered by Home Again, or Datamars.
Now the one that I was excited about as it appeared to be promising was the dog scanner app, but doah!
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Is There an App to Track Your Pet’s Microchip?
Another question that often surfaces is, “Is there an app to track your pet’s microchip?”
It’s crucial to understand that microchips are not tracking devices. They don’t actively transmit your pet’s location. Instead, they contain identification information that can be read when scanned by a compatible device.
However, for those who are eager for a real-time method of keeping tabs on their pets, GPS tracker apps offer a viable solution (But it is not failsafe because collars with GPS trackers can fall off or be taken off). You can monitor your pet in real-time over an unlimited range, which is perfect for those moments when your furry friend decides to go on an impromptu adventure. Activity and sleep metrics are also available, allowing you to compare your pet’s behavior to norms and even receive a Wellness Score.
You can designate “safe zones,” like your home or backyard, and get notified if your pet leaves these areas. This is particularly useful for identifying potentially dangerous situations, such as your pet wandering too close to a busy road. These apps can also offer features like location history, letting you see where your pet spends most of its time and what it has been up to. You can even share access with friends, family, or pet care providers, allowing them to monitor your pet’s location and activities.
Dog Chip Scanner Apps:
While the information above stands correct in stating that a smartphone alone can’t scan a pet’s microchip, there is what we can call a “workaround”. You’ll still need a dedicated dog chip reader to scan the microchips, but you can then transfer the information to your smartphone or computer (provided the scanner is compatible with your operating system).
To set the record straight, smartphones cannot magically become a dog chip reader or scanner. The transition requires a couple of additional elements:
A Compatible Microchip: Just like before, the foundation for this process is a properly implanted pet microchip. Without this, there’s no data to scan.
Microchip Scanner compatible with your smartphone and OS: This is the device that bridges the gap between your pet’s microchip and your smartphone.
Confirm Your Dog is Microchipped:
Before diving into the tech, ensure that your dog has a microchip. This might seem obvious but is an essential first step, especially if you weren’t the one who had the microchip implanted.
Download the App or Software:
Your next move is to get the corresponding dog chip scanner app or software for your hardware. Once downloaded, you will usually need to pair the app with your microchip scanner.
Initiate the Scan:
With everything set up, bring the scanner close to your pet. Once the scan is successful, the dog chip reader software will receive the data via your scanner.
Store or Export Data:
Depending on the scanner and its software, you can either store this information for future reference or export it as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you scan a cat microchip with your phone?
No, smartphones alone can’t scan cat microchips.
Can you scan a dog microchip with your phone?
No, smartphones can’t directly scan dog microchips either.
What is a dog chip scanner app?
A specialized application that, when used with specific hardware, can read and display information from a dog’s microchip.
Is there an app to track your pet’s microchip?
No, microchips are not tracking devices and can’t be tracked through an app. However, GPS tracker apps are available for real-time pet monitoring.
What frequencies are used in pet microchips in the United States?
The frequencies used are 125kHz, 128kHz, and 134.2 kHz.
Can my smartphone read any kind of RFID tag?
No, smartphones are not equipped to read RFID tags used for pet identification.
