Is your furry friend microchipped? If not, we recommend getting this done as soon as possible. Getting your pet microchipped is a very simple and easy process that will only take a few moments. However, this quick procedure could save your pet’s life! A Cherry Hill, NJ vet discusses microchipping in this article.
Sobering Statistics
We know, no one wants to imagine their beloved furry friends getting lost. Unfortunately it does happen. In fact, the numbers of lost pets are absolutely staggering: ten million pets are lost or stolen every year. Sadly, only ten percent of the pets that don’t have microchips are reunited with their owners. Getting your animal companion microchipped can drastically increase the odds of your pet coming home if he or she is ever lost or stolen.
The Procedure
The process of getting your pet microchipped is, as mentioned above, very simple. It can be scheduled alone, or worked into any veterinary appointment. Your vet will use a hypodermic needle to inject the chip under your pet’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades. This won’t hurt your pet, and is very much like getting a shot. Your furry pal won’t need anesthesia, and the process won’t have to be repeated, except in the rare instances that a chip fails. Ask your vet for more information.
Microchip Basics
Today’s microchip is very small, about the size of a grain of rice. The chip doesn’t actually transmit information. Instead, each chip contains a unique ID number, which can be read with special scanners used by veterinarians and/or staff at animal shelters and rescues. This number corresponds to your records in the chipmaker’s registry, making a permanent connection between you and your pet.
Follow-Up
Getting your pet microchipped is only the first part of the process. You’ll need to make sure that your contact information is correct and up to date in the manufacturer’s database. The chip won’t help if your information isn’t attached to it! It’s also important for you to remember to update your records whenever you move or change contact information. Additionally, we recommend having your vet check the chip during your pet’s regular exams, to make sure it hasn’t slipped or malfunctioned.
Do you have questions or concerns about microchipping? Call us! As your Cherry Hill, NJ animal hospital, we are here to serve all your pet’s veterinary care needs.
