Why are so many pet owners clueless about their pet's microchip?

You betcha my dogs are chipped!

I think a lot of folks DON'T understand that even though the chip has been implanted, the identification SERVICE does not go into effect until the account is activated. I don't know if this is a failure on the vets' part (to explain that the chip itself is NOT the ID service ... same for shelters) ... or if people just don't bother.

Or perhaps owners simply don't want to pay the initial registration fee?

Yes, I tend to have issues with crazy little dogs trying to hump my 2 female small dogs, which they don't take very well. Owners don't do anything about it and after about the third time of the same dog trying my dogs start barking (just as a leave me alone sort of thing) at which point the other owners automatically notice and get upset. I also had a recent encounter with a bull terrier getting into a fight with a boxer and the owner of the terrier didn't do anything until it was too late (despite having several early warnings) and the poor boxer puppy was pinned to the ground. Luckily they were eventually separated and the boxer had a few minor cuts but was ok. It was horrifying though. People need to be responsible for their own animals.

None of my pets are microchipped, but probably should be. I too work in a veterinary hospital and we place plenty of microchips. When I'm showing the client the wallet card and the pamphlet and explaining why they've got a small shaved square on their backs (yes, I go all "surgical scrub" for a microchip), I make sure to include the words "If you do not register your microchip, it will be worthless."

All the dogs I've ever had have been microchipped and we have registered it. It's not as if the microchip is going to magically appear with your address on it is it?

I've found that I know how to microchip my dogs because I've had loads of dogs throughout my life and have gone to get them microchipped before. My husband hadn't had dogs before he got one with me and I had to explain to him that you have to register the microchip. For some, it's not common sense I don't think.

I've taken a number of dogs to the vet that haven't been microchipped and it's just sad. I'd be really upset if I lost my dogs and knowing they could have been returned had I just registered the microchip would have been even worse. It's just sad really.

I got my pup microchipped at the animal rescue shelter.... and i had to fill out a form with my details and they said they woud fax it away to the microchipping place.

Mayhaps the vet should explain the chip better then?

I understand how clueless people can be, but sometimes things arent explained fully so they dont know any better.