One of the first questions a vet will ask when you bring in a new pet is whether or not your furry family member is microchipped -- and for good reason. Every year, millions of animals -- both cats and dogs -- are euthanized in shelters faced with overpopulation. Microchipping allows shelters to scan an incoming animal for a chip and identification. The database can be accessed from anywhere, so this is also an invaluable way to ensure safety when traveling with your pet.
Tags on collars should be used in tandem with microchipping but are not a sufficient method on their own since they can be easily lost by a dog that slips off a lead or out of a collar. Also, with dog abductions on the rise thanks to thieves looking to resell stolen pets for a tidy profit, microchipping can help in these scenarios. Tags can be removed, but a veterinarian or shelter employee can find a microchip with a scanner; this increases the likelihood officials will be alerted that something isn't right.
How Does the Process Work?
The microchip is about the size of a grain of rice and is implanted using a needle similar to those used to give routine shots beneath the dog's skin, usually in the neck or shoulder area. The pain or discomfort is no different than that with a rabies shot or other vaccinations.
While there are various manufacturers, the process is similar across the board. Once the microchip is implanted into your pet, the identification number encoded at the factory is linked to vital information in case of an emergency; this comprises your name and contact info as well as your vet’s info to ensure someone familiar with the animal will be contacted.
Most vets charge between $25 and $75 to implant the chip and register the information. Puppies can be microchipped when they are between 6 and 8 weeks old; the process is usually done when they are getting a round of booster shots.
In summary, here are four very good reasons to microchip your pet:
- Only true permanent method of pet identification.
- Best chance of your pet returning to you after going missing.
- Quick and painless procedure, similar to vaccination.
- Lasts for the lifetime of your pet.
Be a savvy pet owner! Don’t wait and regret not microchipping your pet when it’s too late. Taking this simple precaution now will save potential heartache down the road.
For pet-sitting with a personal touch, contact Dee Hopkins at 517.546.0439 and visit http://www.ddspetpatrol.com.
Written by Dee Hopkins in collaboration with Ginger Sprinkle @ nine dots branding & marketing company (ginger@ninedotsbranding.com).
