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Each year in North America, over 10 million pets go missing or get lost. While many are reunited with their owners, a top reason why some pets never find their way home is because their owners could not be contacted. One of the simplest ways to ensure that you and your pet can find each other again is to get them microchipped - a simple procedure that can give you huge peace of mind. In this blog, we take a look at the how’s and why’s of microchipping, and how it can help you and your pet find your way back to each other.
What is a microchip?
A microchip is a computer chip no bigger than a grain of rice which a vet will implant under your pet’s skin (usually at the scruff of the neck, between the shoulder blades). It is a very quick procedure, and your pet does not need to be put under anesthesia for it. Typically, the vet uses a needle similar to those used to administer vaccinations. Your dog will need to be standing or lying on their stomach for the procedure, during which the vet quickly inserts a needle (similar to those used to administer vaccinations). Then, the vet will squeeze the applicator trigger and inject the chip. After insertion, the vet will usually scan your dog to make sure that the chip can be read properly.
How does it help me find my pet?
The microchip that your pet receives will have its own unique registration number, which can be found in a database. After your pet has been microchipped, you will need to register them along with your name and contact information (your vet will provide you with the relevant documents to do so). If your pet goes missing and is brought to a veterinary clinic or shelter, they can scan the microchip and find the data from the registry to contact you. Some police stations also have this equipment to help reunite you with your pet.
Unlike collars or tags which can fall off or be removed, microchips are permanent and stay with your pet for life. However, it can be a good idea for your vet to scan them at your pet’s annual checkup, to make sure that they are still functioning properly and that the information contained on the database is still accurate.
Bear in mind...
It is still recommended to have a collar or tag in addition to a chip so that if a neighbour finds your lost furry friend, they can figure out who to reunite them with without any scanning technology or equipment.
May is National Chip Your Pet Month, so why not take this opportunity to get your pet their own microchip - and give yourself peace of mind, knowing that your pet has the best possible chance at being reunited with you should they ever go missing!
