What is a Microchip?
A microchip is a tiny device that gets placed under your pet’s skin. It is usually placed between the shoulder blades so that others know where to look for it, if your pet is ever lost.
It is only about the size of a grain of rice and is quick and easy to implant. It only costs about forty dollars, which may include the registration fee.
Here are some reasons to microchip your pet.
It helps you find your lost pet.
This is the main reason that microchips were designed. If your pet gets lost and he or she is taken to the veterinarian (or even local shelters), they will get scanned for a microchip.
When this happens, your pet’s microchip number will be read. The database will help the veterinarian or local shelters get in touch with you once your pet is found.
Microchipping is a quick and mostly painless procedure.
It only takes a few seconds to implant a microchip into your pet. Despite the needle being larger, most pets don’t even seem to flinch. They don’t usually get sore afterward either.
The chip will stay in your pet, so it can’t get lost.
Though collars and tags are a great way to help return your pet, the truth is that they can get loose when a pet is missing. Tags easily fall off collars, which can easily come off if your pet gets stuck on something like a fence.
That being said, if your pet has a microchip, it will always be implanted in him or her. It may shift positions slightly, but it can still be found.
The database is national, so regardless of where your pet is located, it will be found.
Even if your pet crosses state lines or gets lost while you are moving, anyone who finds your pet and gets him or her scanned for a microchip will be able to find you.
It is really easy.
If you don’t want to have to worry about losing your beloved pet, all you need to do is talk to your veterinarian about getting a microchip implanted into your pet. Then, all you have to do is fill out the paperwork, and you are good to go!
In Pennsylvania (and possibly other states), a microchip can also serve as a lifetime license.
Instead of having to get a license every year, you can pay one time for a lifetime license for your dog. You used to be able to do that only if you got a tattoo on your dog, which required anesthesia.
Here are some reasons why you might not want to.
The chip may move.
The truth is that the microchip can travel a little bit in your pet’s body. Because of this, most veterinarians and animal shelters recognize that they can’t simply scan one area. They scan all over, just to make sure that the microchip hasn’t moved.
For this reason, it wouldn’t hurt to have your pet scanned for a microchip whenever you take him or her to the veterinarian. This will give you some peace of mind, knowing that the chip can be found.
Some pets have a reaction to microchips.
That being said, they are usually mild. You may notice some inflammation where the chip was placed. There is also a small risk of cancer developing in the future.
Deciding whether to microchip your pet is a personal decision. If you are serious about getting your pet back if he or she is ever lost, you are definitely going to want to consider a microchip. It works even better than tags and collars at returning your lost pet, even if he or she is found in another state!
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Please note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice.
If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately.