The Microchip: The Lost Pet Saver
Have you read articles about cats and dogs being reunited with their families after being lost for several weeks and found thousands of miles away? Seems extraordinary, however there’s a simple and very effective solution to finding your lost beloved pets–it’s the microchip. Microchips are cost-effective, safe, painless and your vet can easily implant it.
What Is a Microchip?
Microchips are small electronic devices that are encased in a tiny glass tube no bigger than a grain of rice. Although collars are great for identifying lost pets, they can easily slip off and leave your furry friend with no ID. A microchip, however, is embedded just under your pet’s skin as a permanent identification solution. The microchip contains a unique ID number for your pet that an animal hospital or shelter can easily scan to learn your pet’s contact details.
How Does it Work?
Once implanted, you have to be sure to activate the chip with your contact information. Unfortunately, microchips do not have GPS capability, so you cannot track your lost pet unless you have updated your information. Be sure to update your chip if you change your phone number or move to a new address.
Will It Hurt My Pet?
The implantation of the microchip itself is relatively painless and can be compared to a vaccine. The injector is pre-loaded with a microchip and is injected just under the skin between the shoulder blades. This process only takes a few seconds and doesn’t require any anesthesia. Microchips usually last the pet’s lifetime, with no need for any maintenance, except updating your contact information if it has changed. It is best to microchip your pet within the first few weeks of having them.
In the U.S., one in three pets will become lost at some point in their lives. The heart-wrenching process of trying to find your lost pet can be improved by choosing to microchip your pet. Microchipped pets are 50% more likely to be returned to their homes.
Microchipping your pet seems like a no-brainer, but if you would like to know more, contact your vet at Sunrise Boulevard Animal Hospital to discuss the process and cost, which is usually affordable.