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In this busy, boisterous world, things happen when we least expect them. Take, for example, that the number of missing pets who enter shelters each year tops more than 3 million. 

Some of these pets are strays, but there are a large percentage of them who simply got out of the yard or away from their owners and became permanently lost. That’s a serious tragedy, but it can happen to any pet owner, especially if their pet isn’t microchipped.

Pet microchipping may be the key to decreasing the number of pets in shelters and create a safer environment for our special pets. The team at Ten West Bird and Animal Hospital want to explain this simple, yet effective chip.

Pet Microchipping 101

The pet microchip is an identifying integrated circuit that is implanted under a pet’s skin. This tiny circuit is about the size of a grain of rice and is not noticeable or felt by your pet once it is implanted. The microchip cannot track your pet or give you the location of their whereabouts, as it is not GPS based. It is simply a unit that is activated through the use of a corresponding circuit reader. 

Your pet’s microchip information is housed in a national registry. The owner’s information is associated with the microchip when it is scanned, provided you have updated the database with your contact information. Once scanned, the database registry service reaches out to the owner, letting them know where they can find their pet. The information stored is never shared without permission.

Is Microchipping Pets a Surgical Procedure?

The procedure of microchipping doesn’t require surgery or a hospital stay. It is a quick process that is done during the office visit. The microchip is implanted using a syringe. Most pets don’t even notice it, while others may feel a slight pull or twinge, much like a vaccine.

The implanted microchip stays between the shoulderblades and below the neck. It doesn’t move around or cause your pet any discomfort. 

The Advantages of Microchipping Pets

Millions of pets are lost or stolen each year, which is why there is a definite need for pets to have better safety and security measures in identification. Your pet should also have an identification tag on their collar, but these are not always reliable, since they can fall off or be removed. 

Through the use of a microchip you have the added assurance of security along with some of the following benefits.

• With a microchip, your pet has an increase of over 30-50% chance of being reunited with you.
• Microchips are a permanent form of identification, as your pet’s ID number is unique to them.
• Pet microchips help to establish your right of ownership if your pet is stolen. 
• Microchips last a lifetime, so you only need to have the implant done once for a lifelong assurance and peace of mind.

Would you like more information about microchipping and its incredible benefits? Please contact us!