Microchipping
This year, many households are going to welcome a new cat or dog into their lives. If you are bringing home a new pet, you will want to get your pet microchipped. Here is everything you need to know about microchipping.
What is Microchipping?
Microchipping involves inserting a tiny electronic chip into your pet. This chip is generally about the size of a grain of rice. If your pet is lost or goes missing, and someone finds the pet, a vet, animal rescue group or animal shelter will scan your pet for a chip. If a chip is located, it will tell the scanner your pet’s name, approximate age and provide them with your name and contact information.
Why Is It Important to Have Your Pet Microchipped?
Every day, hundreds of pets get lost. Your dog may dig a hole and escape under your fence, your fence may topple over in a storm, or your cat may run out the door and not come home. Microchipping is one of the best methods for reuniting you with your pet. If someone locates your pet, they can take your pet to have your pet scanned for a chip. If your pet has a chip, you will be contacted, letting you know where your pet is and where to pick him or her up. Ultimately, if you want to increase the odds of being reunited with your pet if he or she gets lost, a microchip is your best option.
How Are Microchips Put in and Are They Safe?
When a vet is putting a microchip in your pet, they inject the small chip into your pet using a hypodermic needle. This is the same type of needle that is used when your pet gets all of his or her injections, such as rabies shots. As such, this method is extremely safe, non-invasive, and not painful for your pet. Microchips themselves are safe and harmless.
Pet yet to be chipped? Call us at (850) 434-2646 to schedule your appointment today.
