It only takes a moment for your pet to bolt out the door or break away from his leash, and many lost pets never find their way home because they have no form of identification when they get away. Tags on collars are great, but pets often break or lose their collars in their attempt at freedom. Microchipping is a way to ensure your pet can find his way home, with permanent identification always in place. Here is a closer look at how you can use a microchip to keep your pet safe.
What Is a Microchip?
A microchip is a tiny electronic device that is injected into your pet just below the skin. It’s only about as big as a grain of rice, but it stores information, like your contact information, which is delivered via radiowaves. When your pet is lost and someone scans him with the right type of scanner, they can access the contact information and get your pet back to you.
Is Microchipping Safe?
Microchips do not need a power source and contain no moving parts, so they are safe to stay in your pet for a lifetime. They are made from material that is compatible with an animal’s body, so any discomfort or rejection is very rare. Over time, the microchip will become encased in the tissue, which means it will not move around the body.
What to Expect at a Microchipping Appointment
If you wish to have your pet microchipped, simply ask about it at your next appointment. The procedure is simple. Your pet’s vet will inject the microchip using a sterile syringe into your pet’s skin between the shoulder blades. The procedure is quick and causes minimal discomfort, just like a vaccination.
Once your pet is microchipped, you will receive paperwork that tells you how to register the microchip. Registering is very important, because that is how your information gets put on to the microchip. If you don’t register the microchip, it is worthless. Also, you will need to keep this information so you can change your contact information if you move or get a new phone number. Up-to-date information is critical to making sure you protect your pet with your microchip.
What Happens if Your Pet Gets Lost?
If your pet is lost, the people who find him can take him to a local vet or shelter to be scanned. If your microchip information is up-to-date, the scanner will find your contact information and the vet or shelter staff can give you a call. You are able to collect your pet and return him home easily.
Microchipping your pet is a simple solution to add a layer of protection in case your pet is lost. Schedule your appointment today with Cottman Animal Hospital to have your pet microchipped, and give yourself the peace of mind that comes from knowing you will always have a way to be reunited.
One of the worst feelings to experience as a pet owner is the realization that your pet has gone missing. Only 17% of dogs and 2% of cats make it back to their owners—which can make it feel like you’ll never see your pet again if they get lost.
Cottman Animal Hospital wants to encourage you to consider microchipping your pet, even if he or she lives entirely indoors–because even indoor pets can escape and become lost. Unlike collars and tags, microchips can’t fall off and they serve as permanent identification for a pet’s entire life. Microchips are also rated for 25 years, meaning they never need to be removed or recharged during your pet’s lifetime. We use 15-digit non-encrypted microchips that meet the International Standards Organization specifications. These ISO specifications are required by many countries for pets traveling abroad.
Microchipping a pet is simple, relatively painless and very affordable. Once implanted, authorities only need to scan the chip to locate your information. But remember: a microchip is only useful if your contact information is updated.
Cottman Animal Hospital believes microchipping is the safest, most effective method of pet recovery available, helping reunite more than 15,000 lost pets to their owners every month. To get your pet “chipped”, request an appointment online or call us at 215-745-9030.