It only takes a moment for your pet to bolt out the door or break away from his leash, and many lost pets never find their way home because they have no identification. Tags on collars are great, but pets often break or lose their collars in their attempt at freedom. Microchipping is a way to ensure your pet has permanent identification always in place. Here is a closer look at how you can use a microchip to keep your pet safe.
What Is a Microchip?
A microchip is a tiny device, about the size of a grain of rice, that is injected with a needle under your pet's skin. Each microchip contains a unique 16 digit number. When you pet is found, she is scanned with a special scanner that reads that unique number. The number is looked up in a national database, and you are contacted.
Is Microchipping Safe?
Microchips are made form a material that is compatible with an animal's body, so discomfort or rejection is rare.
What to Expect at a Microchipping Appointment
If you wish to have your pet microchipped, simply ask about it at your next appointment. The microchip is injected with a sterile syringe under your pet's skin between the shoulder blades. The procedure is quick and causes minimal discomfort. Microchips can also be implanted during spay and neuter surgeries while you pet is under anesthesia.
Once you pet is microchipped, you will receive paperwork that tells you how to register the chip. Registering is very important, because that is how your information is linked to your pet's unique microchip number. It is also important to update any phone or address changes so you can always be reached.