MICROCHIPPING YOUR PETS

Microchipping your pets is a safe and permanent means of identification to help locate lost pets and unite them with their owners. A microchip is about the size of a grain of rice and is implanted under the skin between the shoulder blades.

Each microchip contains a unique identifier number that will display on a scanning machine that reads the number and connects it to the pet’s owner’s name and contact information stored in a database.

Since there are no moving parts, no batteries, and no GPS capabilities, a microchip does not track the location of the animal; it is a very reliable form of identification for pets that are found.

How Microchipping Works?

A veterinarian can insert a microchip by giving the pet an injection. The procedure is very quick and involves little to no pain.

The microchip does not activate unless it is scanned. When scanned, the microchip transmits its unique identification number to the scanner so that you can retrieve the registered owner’s information from the database.

Benefits of Microchipping

There are some great benefits of microchipping your pet. These include:

Permanent pet identification

One of the biggest advantages of microchips is that they provide permanent identification. Since a collar or tag can break or become dislodged, a microchip remains attached to the pet indefinitely. Also, since this is internal identification, it doesn’t matter what condition the pet is in or how dirty it may be.

Increased Chance of Reuniting Lost Pets

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, microchipped pets have much greater odds of getting reunited with their owners. Many animal shelters and veterinary clinics use scanners to identify lost pets. If your pet gets lost, this increases the chances of finding your pet quickly.

Reliable Proof of Ownership

If there were ever a dispute about who owns a pet, having a microchip registered in your name can help establish ownership. It also proves that you are taking responsible care of your pet.

Widely Accepted System

Microchipping has international recognition. In many places, particularly those requiring pets to register prior to traveling abroad, you’ll need to have your pet micro-chipped before leaving.

Simple and Quick Procedure

Implanting a microchip into your pet is an extremely quick, easy, and non-invasive procedure. The microchip can generally be implanted in your pet by your veterinarian as part of a regular check-up (no sedation necessary), which makes it very easy on you as well as your pet.

Low Maintenance and Long-Term Safety

After being implanted, the microchip will never need any additional care, charging, or replacing. The microchip was made to remain in your pet for its entire life span and will continue to be safely located within your pet’s body.

Safety and Side Effects

Many experts consider microchipping a very low risk and generally safe for animals. Most pets only feel some minor, short-term pain or discomfort that is comparable to receiving an ordinary shot.

The possibility of serious complications from microchipping is very low.

After being microchipped, many Pets will only show a small amount of swelling or redness at the point where the Microchip was implanted; however, most resolve on their own in no time and do not require any medical treatment. Microchips do not hinder your pet’s ability to move around normally or affect its overall health.

When Should You Microchip Your Pet?

You can microchip your pet just about anytime you like. Early microchipping ensures permanent identification before pets become more independent or are at risk of getting lost. Adult or senior pets can also be safely microchipped at any time. Younger pets are much more likely to get lost while exploring than older pets.

Registration and Importance of Updated Information

In order for microchipping to work effectively, the owner must register the Microchip with a pet recovery service after it has been implanted. As such, the owner must take care to input all necessary contact information into the registration form. Additionally, it is essential to keep information up-to-date if there have been any changes in either phone numbers, addresses, or ownership. If there is no valid information associated with a Microchip, then it will not be able to assist in reconnecting a lost pet with its owner.

Limitations of Microchipping

Although microchipping is very effective, there are disadvantages associated with using it. A major disadvantage is that it is not capable of functioning as a GPS tracking device, nor will it give you the current location of your pet. Also, scanning a Microchip typically takes place at a veterinarian clinic or animal shelter.

Prevention of Pet Loss

Responsible pet ownership is necessary to achieve maximum effectiveness from your pet’s microchip.

Microchip use should include a combination of:

• An identification tag attached to your pet’s collar
• Securing all doors and/or gates to prevent escape
• Pet training for recalling to you quickly in case of separation
• Taking great care in monitoring your pets while they are out in public and/ or unfamiliar territories

Combining microchip technology and responsible pet ownership will make your pet safer than either method alone.