The Importance of Microchipping Your Pet
No pet owner wants to imagine the heartbreak of a lost pet. While collars and ID tags are essential, they can break or fall off. A microchip, on the other hand, is a permanent, reliable form of identification that can dramatically increase the chances of being reunited with a lost companion. Here’s everything you need to know about this simple, life-saving technology.
What is a Microchip?
A pet microchip is a tiny electronic chip, about the size of a grain of rice, enclosed in a glass cylinder. It is not a GPS tracker; it doesn't transmit a signal and requires no power source. The chip is activated by a scanner that is passed over the area, and it then transmits its unique identification number to the scanner's screen.
How Does it Work?
The process is simple and relatively painless, similar to a routine vaccination. A veterinarian injects the microchip just under the skin, usually between the shoulder blades.
- If your lost pet is found and taken to a veterinary clinic or animal shelter, they will be scanned for a microchip.
- The scanner displays the chip's unique ID number.
- The clinic or shelter calls the microchip registry, which can be a 24/7 service. They provide the ID number and get the owner's contact information.
- You receive the call that your pet has been found!
The Crucial Final Step: Registration
A microchip is useless if it is not registered with your current contact information. When your pet is chipped, you will be given paperwork to register the chip's number online or by phone. It is vital that you complete this step. Furthermore, if you ever move or change your phone number, you must update your information with the microchip registry company. This is the most common reason why microchipped pets are not returned home.
Why It's So Important
A study by the American Veterinary Medical Association found that:
- Dogs without microchips were returned to their owners only 22% of the time.
- Microchipped dogs were returned to their owners 52% of the time.
- Cats without microchips were reunited with their owners less than 2% of the time.
- Microchipped cats were returned to their owners over 38% of the time.
The statistics are clear. A microchip provides a permanent link between you and your pet. It’s a simple, inexpensive procedure that gives you peace of mind and gives your pet the best possible chance of finding their way back to you if they ever get lost.