May is Microchip Awareness Month
You have probably heard that you should microchip your pet, or maybe your pet is microchipped. But do you know what exactly a microchip is or why it is important? In recognition of Microchip Awareness Month, we are taking a look at everything you need to know about microchipping your furry friend.
What is a microchip?
A tiny transponder, a microchip is a radio-frequency identification (RFID) chip implanted in your pet’s shoulder blade, under the skin. Veterinarians use a needle-like injector and, once implanted, it remains in place forever. The microchip contains your unique identification information that, when scanned by a veterinarian or shelter with a special scanning device, can provide an identification number that is linked back to your information.
Why should I microchip my pet?
Simply put, microchipping your pet gives you the greatest assurance that should your pet become lost, it will be returned to you. While the American Humane Society estimates that more than 10 million dogs and cats are reported lost each year, a great number of microchipped pets are returned to their owners than those that are not microchipped.
In fact, dogs without microchips were returned to their owners 21.9% of the time, whereas microchipped dogs were returned to their owners 52.2% of the time. Similarly, cats without microchips were reunited with their owners only 1.8% of the time, whereas microchipped cats went back home 38.5% of the time.
Does microchipping hurt my pet?
Veterinarians have said that it feels very much like receiving a vaccination. The procedure is quick and DOES NOT require anesthesia or any sort of recovery time.
How can you tell if a pet is microchipped?
If you adopt a pet from a shelter or find a lost pet, it is important to check if the pet is microchipped. You can check the collar to see if there is a separate tag that identifies that it is microchipped, but the best way to have a veterinarian scan for a chip. It should not cost anything to have a lost pet scanned for a chip.
Why is it important to register your pet’s microchip?
Many owners erroneously believe that once their pet is microchipped either through a shelter, breeder, or their veterinarian that the process is over, that the pet is automatically registered with the company. However, registration of the microchip is the crucial step of the microchipping process and unfortunately, is often missed. Your pet is not automatically registered just because they have been microchipped; you must complete this final step. Keep in mind that it also is important to update your information should you move so that the most current information is on file.
