Let's Talk the Importance of MicroChipping

Most people think their pet isn't at risk of being lost, you may be surprised to learn that one in three pets go missing in their lifetime. Escape artists and door-dashers aside, even a mild-mannered pet when given an opportunity might explore the big wide world around them.  A microchip is a safe, permanent, and reliable identification that can significantly increase your chances of a happy reunion in the event your pet ever finds itself missing.  

You might be thinking, my pet wears a collar with an ID tag.  Collars can fall off, break, or be taken off if a pet gets loose; if this happens, then they are without identification.  In addition to identification, microchips serve as proof of ownership.  If a good Samaritan picks-up your pet and mistakes them for a stray, you’ll have far fewer issues getting them back.

Microchips are implanted beneath the skin and give your pet a permanent ID number. This means that as long as your registration information is up to date, any veterinary office or shelter can scans your pet’s microchip.  The team will then notify the microchip manufacturer, who will contact you directly, so your personal information stays secure.

 
Will microchipping hurt my pet? 

Microchipping is a relatively painless process for both dogs and cats, much like giving a vaccine to your pet. It does not require anesthesia and most pets handle the injection well.  The microchip itself is no larger than a grain of rice and is inserted between the shoulder blades through a syringe that’s just a smidge bigger than what you’d expect from a routine injection.  Remember, once the microchip is placed, you’ll have to register your pet’s microchip number on the manufacturer’s website, and keep your your contact information updated.  

How does a microchip work? 

When an animal is found and taken to a veterinary hospital or shelter, one of the first things the staff will do is scan the pet for a microchip. When a scanner passes over an area where a microchip is inserted (usually between the shoulder blades), the microchip transmits a unique identification code to the scanner which is then displayed on the screen. The team will then notify the microchip manufacturer, who will contact you directly, so your personal information stays secure.

While we hope it never happens, we want pet owners are prepared if their dog or cat goes missing.   A microchip is a simple, affordable and reliable solution to help ensure that you and your pet have a happy reunion!