A Guide to Having Your Pet Microchipped
If your pet ever wanders away from home, tags may help others identify the animal and get them back into your care. However, Dr. Kasey, Dr. Meghan and Dr. Scarlett can implant a microchip to provide additional identifying information that makes it easier to locate lost animals. Here’s what you need to know about these devices and why you should consider one for your furry friend.
What Is a Microchip?
A microchip for pets is a radio frequency transponder that contains unique identifying information. Approximately the size of a grain of rice, veterinarians may implant them by injecting them beneath loose skin, typically between the shoulder blades. Dogs and cats are both eligible for microchipping.
Microchipping is minimally invasive, comparable to a vaccination or shot and causes little or no discomfort for animals. There are also few risks of health complications associated with implantation, making the procedure safe.
Following microchipping, we will register your pet’s identification number with a national pet recovery database. This can allow an animal clinic or shelter to scan the chip, search databases for the ID number, and instantly retrieve your contact information.
What Are the Advantages of a Microchip?
Though you may include your address and phone number on your pet’s tags, the latter may corrode or deteriorate over time, causing them to break off the collar. Additionally, you might not be able to fit all of the identifying information on a single tag, especially if you wish to include multiple phone numbers or email addresses. Since microchips implant beneath the skin, you won’t ever have to worry about them getting lost, and you can include more information to ensure anyone who finds your pet may contact you.
In addition to contact information, you can include notes about any medical conditions your pets might have. This may help an animal clinic or shelter ensure your dog or cat receives the proper care until they return them back to you.
Pets with microchips are up to 20 times more likely to get returned to their owners. This can improve the chances of being reunited with your furry friend if they ever become lost or stolen. A microchip can also clear up possible disputes about ownership. Since scanning the chip will reveal a number that is linked to your name and contact information, this may prevent anyone else from trying to claim your pet as their own.
Reap the benefits of microchips for pets with help from Animal Medical Center. Located in Foley, AL, these veterinarians provide animal microchipping along with wellness care and pet boarding for dogs and cats throughout the Alabama Gulf Coast. Call (251) 955-5900 to book an appointment, or browse our website to learn more about how we can keep your furry friends healthy and happy.
