Microchip

The Ultimate Pet ID for Safety and Peace of Mind

Imagine if your dog or cat got lost. You’d want to give them the best chance of getting home. With microchipping, you can. 

Microchipping is a safe, permanent way to identify your pet in case they become lost. A microchip, which is a tiny device about the size and shape of a grain of rice, is placed just under the loose skin at the back of the neck. When a lost dog or cat without an ID tag is found, a handheld microchip scanner can be used to check for a chip. If the pet has one, it will transmit its ID number to the scanner via a low-frequency radio wave. The veterinary hospital or shelter then calls the chip manufacturer, retrieves the pet owner’s contact information, and calls the owner. 

Even the most responsible pet owners can’t always guarantee their pet won’t get lost. A leash could break or slip out of your hand, a pet could push through a screen door or window, or a contractor or friend might accidentally leave a door or gate open. 

We recommend that you use a microchip, along with a collar and ID tag, to identify your pet. An ID tag is still a reliable identification method. Pets that have tags with current contact information are more likely to not end up in shelters and tend to get home faster than those without tags. However, collars and ID tags aren’t permanent and can be removed (overnight or for grooming); pets can also lose them. With a microchip, your pet will have a much better chance of being identified and returned to you. Pets without microchips that end up in shelters may be adopted out to another family or even euthanized. 

Benefits of Microchipping 

• Permanent Identification: Unlike collars and tags, which can fall off or be removed, a microchip provides a permanent form of identification that stays with your pet for life. 
• Increased Chances of Reunification: Pets with microchips are significantly more likely to be reunited with their owners. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, dogs with microchips are returned to their owners 52.2% of the time, compared to just 21.9% for those without. For cats, the difference is even more significant: 38.5% versus 1.8%. 
• Quick and Painless Procedure: Implanting a microchip is a quick and relatively painless process, similar to a routine vaccination. It can be done during a regular vet visit and does not require anesthesia. 
• Proof of Ownership: In cases of ownership disputes or lost pets, a microchip provides indisputable proof of ownership. This can be particularly important if your pet is stolen or if there are disagreements over ownership. 
• Low Maintenance: Once implanted, a microchip requires no maintenance or replacement. However, it is crucial to keep your contact information up to date in the pet recovery database to ensure you can be reached if your pet is found. 

Keeping Your Information Updated  

It’s essential to keep your contact information current in the microchip database. If you move or change phone numbers, update your details as soon as possible. Many microchip companies offer online management of your account, making it easy to ensure your information is always up to date.  

Although we hope your pet never becomes lost, we want you to be prepared. Contact one of our network hospitals to schedule an appointment to microchip your pet. They can also suggest a plan to have in place so if your pet does go missing, you’ll be able to act quickly.