Did you know that 1/3 of all dogs and cats in the United States are reported missing at least once in their lifetimes? Even scarier is that more than 80% are never found. Microchipping is something that can help beat these odds!
What is a microchip and what does it do?
A microchip is a small, rice size electronic chip. The chip is injected under the loose skin of your pet - typically between their shoulder blades. Each microchip has a specific number associated with it which is linked to the animal's owner. A national database uses this number to be able to search for the owner’s name, address and telephone numbers and help reunite the lost pet with their worried owner.
When a lost pet is found and brought to a veterinary hospital, shelter, or police/fire station, the pet is painlessly scanned and their individual microchip number is displayed. That number is then entered into an online database where the personnel can see the pet owner’s contact information and can contact the owner to alert them that their pet is safe. A microchip is not a GPS and will not tell you the location of your pet unless they have been found and scanned.
What are the benefits of microchipping?
Helps bring your pet home safely faster! American Kennel Club claims that lost pets who have microchips are up to 20% more likely to be reunited with their humans. That’s a huge benefit!!
Uses a national database which works worldwide
It’s permanent - unlike collars/tags this is always with your pet and cannot fall off
Protects against theft. The database will only have the information you decide on sharing
Relatively inexpensive (about $90 to place and register)
Newer versions read pets’ temperature as well, helping to avoid “uncomfortable” temperature taking at the vet office!
Any disadvantages?
Slight injection site pain - the microchip is implanted under the skin using a needle a bit larger than the typical needle used for vaccinations. While analgesics are not necessary, the microchips are often administered while the pet is under anesthesia for their spay or neuter surgery.
Adverse reactions are rare but can include hair loss or swelling at injection site
Migration of the microchip from its original implantation site
Ask your veterinarian about getting your pet microchipped today!!
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