Although your pet may have identification tags with your current contact information, the tags can become damaged, lost, or removed. However, a microchip is embedded in your pet’s skin and provides permanent identification. Our Commonwealth Animal Care team believes microchipping is an important pet care element that offers your pet the best chances of returning home if they get lost or separated from you. Read our guide to learn about microchipping and how this simple procedure is one of the best decisions you can make for your pet’s safety.
Understanding pet microchips
A microchip is a minuscule electronic device, about the size of a rice grain, that holds a unique identification number. Our veterinary team can quickly and painlessly implant a microchip beneath your pet’s skin between their shoulder blades during a regular visit. If your pet goes missing, a veterinarian or animal shelter can use a handheld scanner to detect the microchip. This scanner reads the identification number, which connects to a database containing your up-to-date contact information.
Benefits of microchipping your pet
Unlike identification tags, microchips cannot be lost or damaged. Consider microchips’ benefits:
- Permanent identification — Collars and tags can be helpful, but they can also fall off or be removed. A microchip is tamper-proof and provides your pet with permanent identification.
- Peace of mind — A microchip significantly increases your pet’s chances of coming home safely if they’re lost or stolen, providing you with peace of mind.
- Increased likelihood of coming home — Studies show that microchipped dogs are more than two-and-a-half times more likely to be returned to their owners than dogs without microchips. Cats with microchips are 20 times more likely to be reunited with their owners.
- Simple procedure — Our team can easily implant your pet’s microchip during a routine veterinary visit.
- Safe and painless — The process is similar to a vaccination and causes minimal, temporary discomfort.
- Affordable protection — The cost of microchipping is a small price to pay for your beloved pet’s long-term safety.
If your pet gets lost
Becoming separated from your pet is a stressful experience. However, if your pet is lost, follow these tips:
- Thorough search — Check inside and outside your home and your pet’s favorite hiding spots carefully, and alert your neighbors if your pet is missing.
- Contact animal shelters — Report your pet missing to your local animal shelters and expand your search to include surrounding areas.
- Alert veterinary clinics — Reach out to veterinarians in your area. Someone may have found your pet and brought them to a nearby clinic.
- Spread the word — Post flyers with your pet’s photo and your contact information. Share the details on social media.
Debunking pet microchip myths
Myths abound regarding pet microchipping. However, microchips provide your pet with the best chance of being reunited with you if they are lost. Learn the truth about the following myths:
- Myth: Microchips function as a GPS tracker — A microchip itself doesn’t track your pet’s location. The device simply stores an identification number linked to your contact information in a database.
- Myth: Microchips hurt my pet — The implantation process is quick and similar to a routine vaccination, causing minimal discomfort.
- Myth: Microchips can migrate in my pet’s body — Once implanted, microchips typically stay in place and don’t move within a pet’s body.
Pet microchip registration matters
Always keep your contact information updated in the microchip database. If you move or change your phone number, update the microchip registry immediately. Up-to-date information is key to being reunited with your pet. In addition, verify that your pet’s microchip is functioning. Ask our team to scan your pet’s microchip at each wellness visit to ensure readability and confirm your contact information is up-to-date.
Frequently asked questions about pet microchipping
Many pet owners have questions about microchips. Learn the answers to the most frequently asked questions about microchips:
- Does microchipping replace collars and tags? — No! Microchips offer a permanent form of identification, but collars and tags with up-to-date contact information are still essential for quick visual identification.
- Will multiple microchips cause issues? — Generally, no. If your pet already has a microchip, inform our team. We can scan for your pet’s microchip to identify the brand and registry before implanting a new one if necessary.
- What if I adopt a pet who is already microchipped? — Excellent! Contact the microchip registry with your information to update the ownership details, ensuring you’ll be notified if your pet is found.
- Does a universal microchip registry exist? — No. Several microchip registries exist. Ensure you register your pet’s microchip with a reliable database to maximize chances of being reunited with you should they become lost.
- How much does microchipping cost? — Microchipping costs vary among veterinary clinics and may be bundled with other services. However, microchipping is generally considered an affordable investment in your pet’s long-term safety.
Give your pet the best chance of being reunited with you if they become lost. Schedule your pet’s microchipping appointment with our Commonwealth Animal Care team.
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