Why Pet Microchipping Matters

Have you ever worried about your pet escaping or getting out of your yard?  According to the American Humane Association, over 10 million dogs and cats are lost or stolen in the U.S. every year.  It is likely that you or someone you know has encountered this frightening situation here in Fayetteville, NC.

EXTRA PROTECTION

Typically pets are returned to their owner by the ID tags on their collars and a pet microchip does not substitute for a collar with an ID tag. However, as collars can come off or be removed, the microchip provides an extra protection if your pet escapes out of your house or yard if doors, gates, or windows are left open.

HOW IT GET PLACED

The microchip is about the size of a grain of rice and veterinarians inject it between the shoulder blades.  It can also easily be done without anesthesia and with a syringe.  There’s minimal pain, it is similar to the animal receiving a vaccine.

Microchips are safe and nontoxic. The chip may shift slightly beneath the skin; however, it cannot migrate to other parts of the body.  It will remain in your pet for life, unlike a collar and tag which can easily become lost or removed.

HOW DOES IT WORK

The microchip is not like that of a GPS, it does not track the whereabouts of your pet.  The chip is only activated by a corresponding chip reader. Chip readers are used by veterinarians, animal hospitals, and animal shelters when an animal is found. The device reads a pet’s unique number and number is then entered into a national microchip database. The registry then contacts the owner and reunite them with their missing pet.

IMPORTANT INFO

It’s vital that the microchip is always updated with your current contact information, especially if a pet has been rescued or re-homed to you. If chip information does not have the most updated information in the database, previous owners may be contacted if/when a pet’s chip is scanned, causing delays or not being able to have a reunion with your pet.

We recommend having your pet’s microchip scanned at their yearly wellness exam at Cumberland Animal Hospital. That way we can make sure that the most up-to-date contact information is in the database.

BOTTOM LINE

As careful as pet owners may be, accidents can happen. Microchipping is the greatest tool to prevent a pet from becoming permanently lost.

As always, if you have any concerns or questions regarding the practice of microchipping, we encourage you to contact us the Cumberland Animal Hospital. Its your job to keep your dog healthy and safe.  Cumberland Animal Hospitals veterinarians in Fayetteville, NC are always available to assist you. We are happy to further discuss this wellness procedure with you, call 910-822-3337 to schedule an appointment or ask any questions.