Importance of Microchipping your pet
As pet owners, we all want to do everything we can to keep our furry friends safe and secure. While collars and ID tags are essential, they can fall off or be removed, leaving our pets vulnerable to becoming lost. That’s where microchipping comes in – a simple, painless procedure that can make all the difference in reuniting you with your pet should they become lost.
A microchip is a tiny, rice-sized device that is implanted under the skin of your pet, typically between the shoulder blades. It contains a unique identification number that is registered with a national database, which can be accessed by animal shelters, veterinary clinics, and other organizations that are likely to come into contact with lost or stray pets.
The benefits of microchipping your pet are many. Here are just a few:
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, dogs that are microchipped are more than twice as likely to be reunited with their owners compared to those without a microchip. For cats, the rate is even higher – over 20 times more likely! This is because microchipping provides a permanent means of identification that can’t be lost or removed.
The procedure of microchipping is quick and painless and can typically be done during a regular vet visit. The microchip is about the size of a grain of rice and is inserted under the skin using a needle. While your pet may feel a momentary pinch, the discomfort is minimal and short-lived.
One very important step is that you need to complete the pet’s registration in the database with the chip company or you can do it for free at https://www.freepetchipregistry.com/. Without doing this, if your pet gets lost and they scan the chip, they will not be able to retrieve the owner’s information allowing the pet to find their way home – so don’t forget this VERY important step!
The cost of microchipping your pet is relatively low, especially when compared to the cost of traditional identification methods such as collars and tags. Many animal shelters and rescue organizations also offer low-cost or free microchipping services, making it accessible to pet owners on a budget.
Knowing that your pet has a permanent means of identification can give you peace of mind, especially if you have an adventurous pet who likes to explore or a pet who is prone to escaping. It also gives you the confidence that, should your pet become lost, there is a higher likelihood of being reunited with them.
In conclusion, microchipping your pet is a simple and effective way to increase the chances of being reunited with your furry friend should they become lost. It is a quick, painless, and cost-effective procedure that provides peace of mind and a sense of security for pet owners. If you haven’t already done so, consider microchipping your pet today.
If you have any questions about microchipping your pet, be sure to talk to your veterinarian. They can help you to decide if microchipping is right for your pet and they can perform the procedure.
