Certainly, YES! It is a foolproof way to identify your pet, provided you have registered your current contact info with the correct registry. Veterinarians have universal scanners to I.D. the chips. Unlike a collar, once a chip is inserted it rarely gets lost, even if it does most likely it can still be scanned. When you microchip your dog it holds the key to a quick reunion with your little buddy.
What exactly is a microchip?
A microchip is a small 12mm chip about the size of a grain of rice. The microchip itself has a unique identification number and phone number of the chip registry embedded into it. The chip uses radio frequency technology to hold information. A veterinarian or animal shelter volunteer can use a microchip scanner to retrieve the information linked to it… Most use a universal scanner that can detect multiple types of chips. It is very important to register your current contact information with the national Pet chip registry. This is the most comprehensive database for the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. You should microchip your dog or cat as soon as possible.
Most importantly, registering your current information with a pet microchip registry, is the only way the chip can get your information. Your contact information gets linked with the chip’s unique identification number. There are different brands of microchips that use different frequencies depending on where you are in the world. Fortunately, a vet’s universal scanner can read the most different frequencies. It is not a perfect system, but regardless it is immensely valuable. Registries do their best to work with shelters to provide universal scanners.
Are you ready to microchip your pet ?
Your veterinarian or local shelter tech can do the procedure safely and quickly. For your little buddy, it is a quick procedure that usually doesn’t even require anesthesia. It is similar to getting a shot or vaccination. A veterinarian uses a needle to insert the small microchip under the skin, between the shoulder blades. The chip doesn’t emit a signal and is harmless to the animal. It is permanent and stays with your pet for his entire lifetime. In most cases it doesn’t shift and it easy to find and scan.
Here is Southern California, when adopting from a local shelter, microchipping is included, (and required), as a part of the adoption fees. Although, if your new family member doesn’t already have a chip, most vets offer this service for $40-$65. Protecting your pet from harm is an owner’s responsibility. In other words, keeping your pet safe is an important part of pet ownership. Discovering that your dog is missing can be heartbreaking, however, a dog or cat that had a microchip has a better chance of a safe return. In conclusion, microchipping offers peace of mind and extra insurance of seeing your pet again should they wander.
“In a study of animal shelters, only 22 percent of dogs without microchips were reunited with their owners, while 52 percent with microchips returned home. cats without microchips had even lower return rates: just two percent made it home, compared with 39 percent of microchipped felines. Why did some pets with microchips fail to be reunited with their owners? The owner’s information either was never registered or it wasn’t current. “ – VetStreet
Does a pet chip track my dog or cat ?
No, a microchip is not a pet tracking device. In other words, it can not tell you where your pet currently is or where they have been. Fluffy will have to share his adventures upon his safe return. In conclusion, a microchip only has your valuable contact information. An active dog can’t lose or break it, unlike a collar with pet tags attached. Microchips are a reliable dog identifier even without a collar.
Senior dogs can get lost or disoriented and wander out of the yard without their collar
Imagine yourself, being your curious pet, running free and then realizing you can’t find your way home? What if you lost your collar with id tags during your great escape? What if you are now thirsty and hungry and unfamiliar with this new neighborhood you discovered? Without the collar, no one knows your name or where you live. No one knows who your human family is, or how to let them know where to come to get you. It was fun at first, but now you really could use a familiar loving face. Gratefully, your owners had you microchipped and they filled out their information and on a pet microchip registry. They kept it accurate and updated with every move. Thanks to their thoroughness, soon you will be reunited with your family.
Shelter reunited beloved cat three years later thanks to MIcrochip !
As you can see, it is important to have both a microchip and collar with a current I.D. tag, for your beloved pets. August 15 is National Check your Chip day. Pizza and I recommend you take a moment to verify your information. Certainly, pets are a special part of the family. The should be home with the family, but accidents do happen. A pet with both a collar with a pet id, microchip, and your current info on a pet microchip registry your dog or cat should have better odds in getting home quickly.
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