The Importance of Microchipping Your Pet

Most pet owners worry about having their pets get lost, even if they have an indoor cat or always take their dog outside on a leash. Luckily, having your pet microchipped can greatly increase your chances of having your pet returned to you in the event that they get lost.

In this article, we will be explaining everything that pet owners need to know about microchipping their pets and why it’s so important. This will include answering some commonly asked questions about microchips and how they work. Let’s get right into it!

What is a Microchip?

A microchip is a tiny device that is usually no larger than a grain of rice. This device is inserted just under the skin, and it is designed to emit a radio frequency that can be picked up by a scanner. When the scanner picks up the frequency, it then presents some valuable information such as:

• The pet’s name
• The owner’s name
• The owner’s contact information
• The vet that the pet goes to
• The owner’s address
• Whether or not the pet is up to date on core vaccines (rabies, distemper, etc.)

Do Microchips Need to be Put in by a Vet?

Yes, microchips need to be inserted by a vet. The good news since this procedure is not difficult or painful, there’s no need for anesthesia. Instead, vets insert a microchip through a needle. This is extremely similar to giving a vaccine or drawing blood, and inserting a microchip will not be any more painful than getting a vaccine is.

Do You Need to be Concerned About Your Privacy?

Some pet owners may be concerned about having their information stored in a microchip on their pets. After all, their phone number, address, and name will likely all be presented when the chip is read.

Luckily, you do not need to worry about your privacy, as the only time that it will be read is if your pet gets lost. What’s more, is that this information will only be used by a veterinarian in order to contact you so that you can be reunited with your furry best friend.

What are the Advantages of Having Your Pet Microchipped

There are several advantages to getting your pet microchipped. The most obvious advantage is that it makes you more likely to find your pet when they get lost. However, there are a couple of other advantages to microchips as well. Here are all of the advantages of getting your pet microchipped.

It is a Permanent Way to Identify Your Pet

Since microchips lie under the skin, it is extremely unlikely that it is going to become dislodged or lost in some way. Additionally, pets cannot remove microchips like they could with a collar. This means that you can always prove ownership of your pet if ever needed.

Your Pet is More likely Going to be Returned to You if They Get Lost

Microchips are very effective tools for finding a pet’s owners when they get lost. As a result, you’re much more likely to find a lost pet when they have a microchip than if they didn’t have one.

It’s Low Maintenance

Microchips also have the benefit of being extremely low maintenance. Once a microchip is in place, it is there for life. You do not need to think about it again!

Are There Any Disadvantages to Microchipping Your Pet?

The advantages of getting your pets microchipped greatly outweigh any disadvantages. However, it is still a good idea for pet owners to be knowledgeable about some of the limitations of microchips. Here are all of the potential disadvantages of microchips that pet owners should know about.

The Microchip Can Move

Though rare, there have been reports of some microchips moving under an animal’s skin. This means that the chip travels slightly from the spot where it was implanted. The issue that this causes is that it may not be picked up by a scanner, because everyone scans the animal in the same, regulated area that all microchips are implanted in.

Sometimes Readers Will Not Pick up all Types of Microchips

There are multiple different manufacturers and brands of microchips both in the US and internationally. Unfortunately, this means that sometimes certain brands of microchip readers will not read other brands of microchips.

This is the biggest limitation of microchips that vet offices and animal shelters face. Speaking with your vet about this potential issue beforehand can help you gain some more insight into this drawback, and they may have a brand that they recommend.

Microchips Cannot Show Your Pet’s Location

There are no microchips that can show your pet’s exact location as of now. This is because this kind of technology would require a GPS-type system, and this cannot be put into a microchip as of yet. Luckily, there are some GPS collars for dogs and cats that can do this job if you so desire.

How Long do Microchips Last?

Microchips should last throughout the entirety of your pet’s life. They should never need to get their microchipped replaced, and the only thing that you will need to do is keep your contact information up to date in the microchip database.

Why is Getting Your Pets Microchipped Important?

So, getting your pet microchipped is extremely important. It helps keep both dogs and cats out of shelters and reunited with their owners when they get lost. Though there can be some minor disadvantages to microchips, the advantages greatly outweigh these.

Conclusion

In conclusion, microchipping your pet is an essential step in ensuring their safety and wellbeing. By implanting a tiny electronic chip under your pet’s skin, you provide a permanent form of identification that can be used to reunite you with your pet if they get lost or stolen. Microchipping is a quick, easy, and relatively painless procedure that can be done by your veterinarian. It is a small investment that can provide a lifetime of protection for your beloved pet. Therefore, if you haven’t yet microchipped your pet, it is highly recommended to do so as soon as possible. It is a responsible choice that can make all the difference in keeping your furry friend safe and secure for years to come.

If you are looking for a trusted veterinarian to microchip your pet, contact Best Friends Veterinary Hospital. Our veterinarians can quickly and painlessly implant a microchip in your pet so that you never have to worry about losing them again. Call us today for more information.