The Importance of Microchipping Your Pet
Pet owners have a lot of responsibilities when it comes to their furry family members. One crucial aspect of pet care that often goes overlooked is microchipping. Microchips can be a pet’s ticket home in case they ever get lost. Read below to learn more about the importance of microchipping your pet.
Why Microchip Your Pet?
Microchipping is a simple procedure that can make a significant difference in your pet’s safety. A microchip is a tiny device, about the size of a grain of rice, that is implanted under your pet’s skin. It carries a unique identification number that can be scanned by a vet or animal shelter to help locate the pet’s owner.
Many pet owners think that collars and ID tags are enough, but these can easily get lost or removed. A microchip, on the other hand, is permanent and can’t be lost or removed.
The Microchipping Process
Microchipping is a quick and painless procedure. It’s similar to a routine vaccination and can be done during a regular vet visit. The chip is inserted under the skin between the shoulder blades using a hypodermic needle. It doesn’t require anesthesia and most pets don’t react any differently to it than they do to a regular vaccination.
Registering Your Pet’s Microchip
After your pet is microchipped, it’s essential to register the chip with the national pet recovery database. You’ll provide your contact information and any essential details about your pet. Remember to update this information anytime you move or change your phone number.
Useful Tips and Facts:
- It’s estimated that only about 60% of microchips are registered in the U.S.
- A study revealed that microchipped dogs were returned to their owners 52.2% of the time, compared to 21.9% for non-microchipped dogs.
- For cats, the return-to-owner rate was 38.5% for microchipped cats, compared to just 1.8% for non-microchipped cats.
- Microchipping is not a GPS tracker and can’t be used to locate your pet. It only serves to identify your pet when they’re found and scanned.
The Benefits of Microchipping
Microchipping has many benefits, including peace of mind for pet owners. Knowing that your pet can be identified and returned to you if lost is a considerable relief. It also helps animal shelters and rescues quickly reunite lost pets with their families, freeing up space and resources for other animals in need.
Misconceptions About Microchipping
Some pet owners are hesitant about microchipping due to misconceptions. They worry that the procedure is painful or that the chip could move around in the body. However, the discomfort experienced during chip insertion is no more than a typical vaccination, and once the chip is inserted, it generally doesn’t move around.
In conclusion, microchipping is a simple, cost-effective, and potentially lifesaving procedure that all pet owners should consider. It’s a small step that can make a big difference in ensuring your pet’s safety and well-being.