Pet parents know accidents happen. Whether it’s Fido or Fluffy knocking over a cup or us tripping over their chew toys, we’re used to these irritating events. But some accidents can be a lot more serious, like a fast-moving pet escaping through an opened door, from the backyard or during a walk. Luckily, science has advanced enough to help reunite us with a lost pet.
What Is A Microchip?
A microchip is a small, electronic piece that is about the same size as a grain of rice. It contains an identification number that includes a pet owner’s contact information and is stored in a national database. Unlike collars which, even when worn, can break off, microchips are permanently implanted into your pet. While microchips don’t have GPS tracking, vet offices, most animal shelters and even some police departments have handheld scanners to read the identification number and reconnect pets with pet parents.
Is It Safe For My Pet?
Microchips are designed to last about 25 years, are absolutely safe and recommended by the Humane Society of the United States.
How Is It Implanted?
While it may sound scary, microchips are easily implanted into your pet. The procedure is simple and really no different than giving your pet a shot. No surgery or anesthesia is required, and it can be implanted between the shoulders during a routine veterinary office visit.
Is My Registry Information Safe?
The only information about you contained in the database is the information that you choose to provide when you register the chip or update your information. There are protections in place so that a random person can’t just look up an owner’s identification.
Contact Information Changes
If you move or change your phone number, your pet’s identification number can be easily updated without another implantation.
At PetWow, we’ve been using microchips on the pets we treat since the technology became available. We recommend this simple and inexpensive treatment and have recommended it for the more than 20,000 pets we treat in the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati area. To have your pet’s microchip installed, call or schedule an appointment with us today at 513-738-9691 or email [email protected]. For more pet care tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest or LinkedIn!
