Passive Integrated Transponders

Arrowhead implants PIT tags manufactured by AVID.
These microchips are small medical-grade devices that are implanted just under the skin. When implanted properly the procedure is safe, quick, and relatively painless (about the same as getting a shot). 

WE HAVE A 100% SUCCESS RATE AND HAVE NEVER HAD ANY REPORTED PROBLEMS OR FATALITIES.   WE DO NOT DRILL HOLES IN TURTLE SHELLS. 

Microchips help find lost pets and deter thefts.
Once implanted, your microchip gives off an individual tracking number. PIT tag numbers can be registered by you with a national pet recovery databases. Animal welfare groups, shelters, and veterinarians scan lost animals using a microchip reader, and the microchip number can be matched to you- the owner.

The Ohio Division of Wildlife REQUIRES native turtles and snakes be PIT tagged with an AVID microchip.
Turtles over 4" and snakes over 18" must have a tag in the state of Ohio. THIS INCLUDES CAPTIVE BORN OR PET STORE BOUGHT ANIMALS! We are authorized to implant these tags. If you are unsure if your pet reptile is a native species, check the list of native species on our WILDLIFE page.  We provide this as a service to native reptile owners. 

PIT tags are long-lasting.
The units are designed to work for your pets entire life. PIT tags are also designed to stay where they are implanted. Microchip reader devices will pick up the chip regardless of its location in the body.

Implanted microchips are safe, non-toxic, and widely used.
Veterinarians and shelters everywhere implant these or similar microchips in small animals all the time. A large percentage of dogs and cats are micro chipped, as well as numerous wild animals via wildlife management programs. The tags are widely used and are designed to prevent tampering, altering, or removal.

Not all animals can be tagged- obvious size limitations apply.
We will not microchip your anole or dart frog. We reserve the right to refuse to implant a tag if we feel it is not safe or practical for the animal in question.  PIT tags are approximately 11.5mmx1.5mm in size and injected with a 12 gauge syringe. 

There is a slight chance of infection occurring at the injection site.
This is no different than with any other type of injection that pierces the skin. ARR assumes no liability or responsibility for problems arising from chip placement.  To date we have never had a reported problem. 
 

We charge $20 for the tag and implanting for your pet.
We refuse to tag birds, primates, and other animals so check with us to see if we will tag your pet.   Generally, you must bring your pet to us for implanting, but we will come to you if you have numerous pets to be micro chipped at one time.  You will also receive a certificate showing your animal is micro chipped. 

There are other resources for tagging your pet.
You can buy PIT tags directly from the Division of Wildlife, but they will not implant them for you. Most veterinarians and animal shelters offer this service as well. However, not all vets and shelters use AVID tags... there are other brands. Be aware that Ohio law requires that native animals MUST have tags manufactured by AVID.

WE DO NOT RECOMMEND ATTEMPTING TO IMPLANT A MICROCHIP YOURSELF IF YOU ARE NOT PROPERLY SKILLED AND TRAINED IN THE PROCEDURE. SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH MAY RESULT FROM IMPROPER CHIP PLACEMENT. 

Email us to have your pet micro chipped or for more information.

You can visit our Media Gallery to see a video of a reptile being tagged.