The best microchip scanners can read all kinds of identity microchips. These types of scanners are known as universal scanners and represent the best option on the market. Although easily the priciest microchip reader on this list, it’s no surprise this super pet scanner from Sonew is also by far the best model money can buy.

The British Veterinary Association’s 2017 Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey revealed that the most common reasons why stray dogs couldn't be reunited with their owners were because they had no identifying microchip or collar/tag (50%) or the information held on the microchip database hadn't been kept up to date (44%) It is easy to think that if a microchip scanner scans a microchip, that is the job done. This is very true, but there are plenty of extras to look out for which will make your life easier. The Halo scanner will read all 15 digit (FDX-B) microchips and 10 digit (FDX-A FECAVA) microchips. The 15 digit microchips are those that are used throughout all of Europe and most of the world. The 10 digit microchips were used in the UK about 15 years ago and are common in the USA. The Halo will NOT read AVID-Encrypted microchips or the 10 digit Trovan microchip, these chips are normally only used in the USA. We also looked at cost. Microchip scanners aren’t an essential piece of kit for the majority of pet keepers, so you’d likely not use one daily unless you’re a rescuer. Therefore you won’t want to spend a lot. But we found that some of the cheapest microchip scanners simply don’t live up to the task at hand, so we had to find a balance.Furthermore, research from AKCReunite shows that pets with microchips are up to 20 times more likely to be reunited with their owners. No unfortunately at the moment the software is for a Windows compatible computer only. We hope to release Apple Mac compatible software later this year.

More sophisticated models can hold more IDs and many have built-in Bluetooth connectivity to transfer IDs to computers or other storage devices. They are also developed to be more ergonomic and durable. Paula Boyden, veterinary director of the Dogs Trust, said: “Losing a dog is an extremely upsetting time for both dog and dog owner and microchipping increases the likelihood that a dog will be reunited with its owner, making it an essential part of animal welfare law.”Design; Small, light weight and robust, the Halo is ergonomically designed and aesthetically pleasing and not intrusive for the animal being scanned

Rechargeable; The Halo is recharged by a PC or laptop via a mini USB cable (supplied) and has a standby time of up to 6 months The Halo is Scanner Angel enabled and uses a USB lead for charging the scanner's internal rechargeable battery. The Halo scanner is supplied with a 1.8 metre USB lead and a CD for installing the accompanying software onto a Windows compatible PC.

Quick turnaround

This whole process can take a minute or more, so it’s important to be patient, as it really is all too easy to just assume an animal is unchipped. Take the time to be extra sure. Why do I need a universal microchip scanner? The SCANNER is widely recognized as the best Mjolnir suit available for high value target and hostage recovery operations, though it is technically classified as a search-and-rescue variant.