The simplest things in life often get overlooked. In the case of microchipping, if this basic procedure doesn’t get addressed during those puppy or kitten years, it is often forgotten. Indeed, it’s not uncommon to learn that a pet isn’t microchipped. When you consider how difficult it is to locate a lost or missing pet, however, it just makes sense to microchip your pet.
Why It Matters
It is a shocking and horrifying moment when you realize that your pet isn’t coming home after you’ve exhausted yourself calling his or her name. To be sure, pets are integral members of the family, and when they don’t return within 24 hours the chances of a homecoming diminish significantly. The main reason to microchip your pet? To help ensure your fur-baby’s safe and efficient return to you and your family.
A Look at the Facts
If you have any reservations about microchipping your pet, please understand that microchipping is a relatively pain-free procedure. It resembles the sensation of a routine vaccination. It is safe, and it does not compromise your privacy or security.
One in three pets will become separated from their owners at some point in lives. In fact, more than 10 million cats and dogs are reported lost or stolen every year. Less than a quarter of dogs without chips entering shelters every year are returned home, and a shocking 2% of cats without chips ever see their owners again. When you microchip your pet, the odds of being reunited skyrocket.
Microchip Your Pet
Here are some basic facts about the marvelous microchip:
- A microchip is about the size of a grain of rice
- It is contained in a perfectly safe, biocompatible glass capsule
- Microchips are typically inserted just below the skin, between the shoulder blades
- It does not transmit information like GPS and does not have a battery
- It is not a tracking device
- Microchips have unique ID numbers attached to them, which can be read under a scanner
- Microchips cost about $50 and do not have to be replaced
- Pet owners need to register their pet’s chip with the manufacturer (only about 60% of all chips are ever registered!)
- If your contact information ever changes, you will need to have your pet’s chip information updated
- Once your contact information is attached to the ID number on the chip, the database will reveal the information only to the party hoping to facilitate a reunion
A Long, Hard Look
A microchip doesn’t take the place of a collar and ID tags, but it adds a valuable layer of protection. If you still have questions about why you should microchip your pet, our veterinarians and staff are always happy to answer any questions you may have.
Remember, microchipping your pet is easy, fast, inexpensive, and relatively painless. Even if it feels like microchipping your pet isn’t a pressing issue, wouldn’t you feel better knowing that your pet could be returned to you if he or she is ever lost? When you consider how difficult it can be to locate a lost or missing pet, however, it just makes sense to microchip your pet.
Tags: Chip Your Pet, Keeping Track Of Pets, Lost Pet, Pet Identities, Pet Loss Tracking, Pet Microchipping