Identifying Lost Pets With Microchips
Summertime events, holidays, outings and playing outside in the yard cause lost pet numbers to rise along with the summer temperatures. BBQs, parties, camping outdoors and holiday events such as the 4th of July can be situations that frighten or excite our pets, causing them to wander off unexpectedly or disappear looking for safety.
You can keep your pets safe with a collar and proper identification tags around their neck at all times. But what happens if the collar comes off? To protect your pets when they got lost with or without their collar, consider microchip technology.
What is microchipping?
Microchips are tiny transponders, about the size of a grain of rice, that use radio frequency identification (RFID) waves to transmit information about your pet. They’re implanted just under the skin, usually right between the shoulder blades.
How does it work?
A microchip contains a registration number, individual ID for your pet and the phone number of the registry for the chip. When your pet is found a handheld scanner reads the radio frequency of the chip and displays this information. The animal shelter, vet clinic or department that finds your pet will be able to contact the company your pet is registered with to get your name and phone number to reunite you with your lost animal.
How can I get my pet microchipped?
Many veterinarians and animal shelters will implant microchips, generally with a small fee associated with the procedure. Additionally, many pet insurance plans will help cover the cost of this procedure.
Implanting a microchip does not require anesthesia or any surgery at all; the chip is inserted under the skin between your pet’s shoulder blades with a large-bore needle. Typically, veterinarians will recommend combining the microchipping procedure with the surgery to spay or neuter your pet, to get it all done at once. If you decide to schedule the microchip procedure alone, your pet shouldn’t feel any pain. Most pets react to this like they would any other shot or injection at the veterinarian. Microchipping should not require any home care or follow up procedures and pets can typically be microchipped as early as 8 weeks of age. Consult your veterinarian to discuss the best time to microchip your pet.
Just getting the microchip isn’t enough though… Remember to register your pet with the microchip company!
How do I register?
Your pet’s new microchip should come with registration paperwork from your veterinarian or the clinic that completes the procedure. Fill this out and send to the registry (or complete registration online if the registry you choose has this option). You will also receive a tag for your pet’s collar with the chip ID number and registration phone number once your pet is registered.
What are the benefits of microchipping my pet?
Microchips are permanent and can’t be lost, damaged or destroyed. Thousands of pet owners have been reunited with their microchipped pets, whether they only drifted 10 minutes down the road or traveled thousands of miles away from home. Once your pet is chipped he can be identified throughout his life with his one-of-a-kind identification number.
Currently, over 83,390 dogs are registered as lost with FidoFinder.com. Don’t let your pet become one of the thousands more that will go missing this year!
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I can testify to the wonderful benefit of microchipping. My cat, Hannah, is an indoor only cat, but she managed to sneak out the door and was lost for 9 weeks. I had pretty much given up hope that she would return home until I got that phone call saying she’d been found. While she was close to home the entire time, she never would have made it back to me without that microchip. Have your pets chipped!!! It works, and the reunion is something you’ll never forget!
Cindy
@Cynthia,
Thank you for sharing your story with our readers. We truly feel microchipping pets is invaluable. We are so glad to hear your cat Hannah made it home safely and microchipping was able to allow one more family a happy reunion.
Best Wishes,
KPF