03/25/2026
Day 47
‘U.S. Army – Hooah’ Litter
Bones x Glory
DOB: 5 Feb 2026
Pups’ wellness exams went great and all are fit and healthy. They all did a super job sharing kisses and snuggles.
Someone asked me what the purpose of microchipping was, so I’ll go into more explanation as to why I choose to microchip all our dogs and puppies before they are placed with families/organizations.
Simply put, as a breeder, it’s my responsibility.
Think of a microchip as a permanent ID that helps protect the puppy’s lifelong safety. It’s not about tracking, like a GPS, it’s about recovery and accountability.
To clarify, the chip itself does not contain owners’ personal information (like an address or phone number). Instead, it works like a key to a locked box:
Each microchip is assigned a number. When scanned, the scanner displays a unique 9, 10, or 15-digit identification number. The number is useless unless the breeder or owner registers it with a national registry.
Once the chip is scanned by a shelter, rescue, vet, or pet professional they can look that number up in the national registry (like HomeAgain, AKC Reunite, etc). The registry then provides the pet owner’s contact details to the professional who scanned the chip.
Since 2018, every Patriot Labrador Retriever puppy has a microchip that has myself listed as a secondary contact. This ensures that if the owner did not register the chip (which roughly 40% never do), and the dog ends up someplace it wasn’t intended for, I will be contacted. This safety net helps ensure the dog doesn’t enter the system, i.e. a rescue, shelter, or research institution.
Other reasons to microchip include:
• Proof of Ownership: Collars can be removed or lost, but a microchip is a permanent link to the owner. It is often the only legal way to prove a dog belongs to someone in case of theft or a dispute.
• The "Safety Net" for Lost Pets: If a puppy gets out, any vet or shelter can scan the chip to find the owner's contact info. It dramatically increases the chances of the pet being reunited with its family.
• Health and Registry Tracking: Many breed registries (like the AKC) and health clearance databases (like OFA) require a microchip number to ensure the health test results belong to that specific dog.
• Travel Requirements: If the owner ever plans to travel internationally, a microchip is a mandatory requirement for pet passports and border crossings.
PSA: If you had your pet microchipped at the vet, the vet clinic does not register them. They only place the microchip. It is your responsibility to register the microchip.
