Crazy busy on this monday, but I got a little something for ya. So you know everything these days comes with a microchip, from your car, to your cell phone, and even your washing machine. Technology is making our lives simpler and better every day. What about a microchip in your pet? Huh...will it help Fido to finally listen when I call him, you ask? No, we're talking about a little bit different application of the microchip in this case; identification. Okay, so it's not new; microchip identification for pets has been around for years now. But not everyone knows about it, so I'm gonna fill you in; in case you're curious about it.
under the skin where it will remain permanently. The implanting process is just like any other injection and typically not very painful. Though some clients prefer it, it is not necessary that the pet be sedated or placed under anesthesia to have it performed. Once the microchip is implanted, the area is scanned with a handheld scanning device (see picture below) to be sure of proper placement and to double-check the microchip's number.
After the chip is implanted the veterinarian's staff will mail the appropriate documentation in to the microchip company; they will in turn, enter the owner and pet's information into their database and associate it with the unique microchip number. All registered shelters are provided with a universal scanner that will read any microchip, and if ever your pet becomes lost any shelter or veterinary clinic can scan and enter the microchip number into the database online or by calling a toll-free number. Your and your pet's information will then be provided so you can be contacted and reunited with your beloved pet.
In case your pet doesn't turn up immediately, most companies have a lost-pet network that is put in to action when you call the company and report your pet lost. Animal shelters, veterinarians, and volunteer pet finders will be notified and faxed a lost pet poster to aid in his/her recovery.
Why should my pet have a microchip? Well, about 10 million pets are lost every year and very few are found and reunited with their owner without identification. Unlike a collar and tag, a microchip is permanent and can't be worn out. We've all seen those tags after a year or two that are so worn and marred, they look more like a spanish coin from a shipwreck than an identification device. Some companies offer other great benefits for enrolling in their program. The company that we use offers as an additional benefit, lost pet medical insurance that covers $3000 (less $50 deductible) in medical treatment for injuries your lost pet suffers while lost.
Is this expensive? No, it's relatively cheap for the benefits provided. Our clinic charges a $60 global fee that covers the cost of the microchip, the injection/implantation, as well as the first year enrollment; and we do the paperwork for you.
To see a video of a veterinarian administering a microchip, click here.
To find more information on microchipping your pet, visit the HomeAgain website.
Talk to your veterinarian about a microchip to help ensure your pet gets back home safe and sound.
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