Microchips are not an island unto themselves. To produce the radio signal that communicates the ID code and pet registry contacts, they require the external power of a glass tag scanner. Glass tag scanners are the ones that retrieve the unique number that identifies a dog and helps identify the owner. Without a scanner, the information contained in a microchip would remain inaccessible.
A glass tag scanner is also useful in situations where you adopt a new dog. Before having them microchipped, you would need to use a scanner to find out if they already have been chipped. If they have, you won’t require another one, but will only need to update the pet registry with your details as the new owner.
Why would you need a glass tag scanner?
It is very possible that during some of your numerous walks with your dog, a stray dog comes along and begins to be friendly with your dog. Only to realize later that this stray dog is actually lost and its owner nowhere in sight. If the dog is hopefully microchipped, surely you can see how, if you owned a scanner, its owner can easily be located, an owner who will likely be profoundly grateful to you.
The reverse situation can of course happen where a total stranger finds your lost dog and uses their personal microchip reader to find you and return your dear pet to you. Surely you can hopefully see why owning your own personal microchip reader can come in very handy
A good glass tag scanner should read all kinds of identity microchips. These readers are known as universal scanners and are the standard types of chip readers today.
Top 5 Glass tag scanners to Consider Buying.
If you’re looking for a microchip scanner to buy either for personal use or commercial purposes, such as a vet’s clinic or animal shelter, here are 5 select models to consider buying. They come with top-notch features and excellent usability. Read through to choose the one that suits your needs and expectations.
- ProScan 700 glass tag scanner
The ProScan 700 is a microchip scanning tool that’s both easy and reliable to use. Pressing a button activates it to start searching and display a chip’s code immediately it finds one. The sensitivity of this scanner is high, with the capability to detect from a ProScan 700 Pet Microchip Scanner | Microchip Scanner for Dogsdistance of up to 3 inches. It makes searching for a microchip implant on a dog easy.
For a comfortable grip when holding it in your hand, it features an ergonomic design. You therefore won’t feel numb if you have to hold this scanner for long periods of time.
The device can also detect microchips of different frequencies, making it versatile enough to never miss finding a chip. It’s also capable of storing as many as 5,000 microchip numbers in its memory to enable faster identification.
To allow you to update its program any time you need to, it comes equipped with a USB port. It uses four AAA size batteries to work and can run for up to three hours scanning continuously.
Key Features:
Higher sensitivity
USB connectivity
Ergonomically designed handle
Portable
- HomeAgain Universal WorldScan Plus glass tag scanner
This scanner is universal, meaning it can detect any chip brand emitting any range of RF frequency. Using it assures you of accurate detection. If it doesn’t find any chip, it means there isn’t one.
The sensitivity of the WorldScan Plus is enhanced by the bi-directional antenna it comes with. It makes scanning not only fast but also accurate. To enable quick detection, the scanner’s memory is capable of storing up to 3,000 identification numbers. HomeAgain Universal WorldScan Plus | pet microchip scanner
It has an ergonomic shape for the handle which means an easy grip that will not tire your hand. If you are involved in scanning pets for extended hours, the ergonomic design is a feature you will find useful to prevent hand or wrist fatigue.
The scanner features a USB connection. Should you need to transfer information from it to a computer, it will be as simple as connecting a cable. It also comes with a Bluetooth functionality to enable a wireless connection between the scanner and any other device that features Bluetooth connectivity.
For enhanced durability, the WorldScan Plus is built to prevent the entry of moisture. You can use it in humid conditions without worry of damage. To further protect it from harsh environments, it comes with a storage case. Keeping it there when not in use will increase the life of the scanner and keep it in top working condition.
The scanner comes with six batteries that are rechargeable. You only need to plug it to the mains through a USB charger, and the battery is restored to ready the scanner for work.
Key Features:
Universal reading
Ergonomic handle
Moisture resistant construction
USB and Bluetooth connectivity
- Halo glass tag scanner
This scanner is highly portable which makes it suitable for personal or field use. With a compact design, it fits into a small space such as your pocket. It’s also lightweight and carrying it around is not much of a hassle. Made from durable plastic, you can be sure that Halo Pet Microchip Scanner glass tag scanner it will serve you for long.
The device reads various microchips of both ISO frequency standards and non-ISO frequencies. Making out the numbers displayed by the scanner is easy; the viewing window is large enough, so you won’t have to strain your eyes.
The Halo scanner features both USB and Bluetooth interfaces. This allows you to transfer the data captured by the scanner on to your PC or handheld device. Apart from the data transfer, you can also upgrade the reader’s software through the USB interface.
The scanner also comes with a rechargeable lithium battery. This is useful since you only need to plug it into a power source to keep it working. Therefore saving you money from needing to buy batteries.
Key Features:
USB and Bluetooth interfaces
Rechargeable battery
Compact design for portability
Ability to read ISO and non-ISO chips
- HY-R105 glass tag scanner
The HY-R105 animal reader is an ISO scanner that reads a wide range of microchips. Its sensitivity is also high, with the ability to detect a chip that’s 8 cm away. Once it scans a microchip, it retains the number in its memory that’s able to store up to 800 different IDs.
Transferring data from this scanner is made easy by the Bluetooth and the USB ISO 134.2 kHz RFID Chip Readerconnectivities it comes with. It means you can use a laptop smartphone or tablet to access the information it picks up. You can even use it to scan a pet while directly connected to your PC via a USB cable.
The scanner features durable construction and sturdy materials that enable it to withstand harsh conditions. To help protect it further and increase its lifespan, it comes with a cushioned carry case.
Powering this scanner is easy. It comes with a 1400mA rechargeable battery. You only need a USB cable to keep the battery full and the scanner in working condition.
Key Features:
High sensitivity with an 8 cm scanning distance
USB and Bluetooth functionalities
Rechargeable battery
ISO reading standard
- Avid Minitracker 3 Universal glass tag scanner
This glass tag scanner detects all kinds of chips, both standard and nonstandard. Its rate of detection is pretty high; it takes it a second to register a chip’s identity code once it finds one.
The scanner is also portable. It comes in a compact size easy to fit and carry in your Avid Minitracker 3 Universal Scannerpocket. Because of this, it’s the scanner of choice for people who require a microchip reader to use in the field. A 9V battery powers it, and you can be confident that you will use it comfortably when on the go.
To enable the transfer of the captured data to another device, the scanner is equipped with Bluetooth connectivity. Using this feature, you can quickly find a dogs identity. You will only need to turn on the Bluetooth functionality on the scanner, move the data to your internet-enabled device, connect to an online pet registry, and receive instant results.
Key Features:
Universal detection
Portable
High-capacity battery
Bluetooth functionality
Having a microchip on a dog is good. But that’s not all there’s to it. You need a scanner to read the identification number of the chip. The scanner needs to be sensitive enough to detect the microchip even from a considerable distance. Most importantly, it needs to be capable of reading ISO and non-ISO chips. The pet microchip scanners featured here are capable of all these. Having them as your microchip-detecting tools would make the whole process quick and easy.