A readily available software application, designed for the Android operating system, purports to use a smartphone’s Near Field Communication (NFC) capability to detect and read implanted microchips in domestic animals, offered to users without charge. The functionality is theoretically similar to dedicated handheld scanners used by veterinary professionals and animal shelters for identification purposes.
The potential benefits of such an application include facilitating the quick identification of lost pets, enabling their swift return to their owners. The increasing prevalence of microchipping as a standard practice in pet ownership underscores the value of accessible scanning technology. Historically, microchip scanning has been confined to specialized devices, thus a widely available application could broaden access to this functionality. However, it’s important to note that the effectiveness of such apps often depends on the phone’s hardware capabilities and the specific microchip technology used.
