Understanding the Importance of Micro-chipping Your Pet
Every day, hundreds of pets go missing. If you browse Craigslist you’re sure to find tons of lost and found ads. It doesn’t matter how safe you think your pets are; accidents happen all the time. Dogs, cats and small animals can all escape. Unfortunately, many of these pets never find their way home.
What happens to lost pets?
Most lost pets will get picked up by animal control or helpful citizens. These people always try to find the pet’s owner. The first step is having them scanned for a microchip at a veterinarian’s office or at the shelter. If no chip is found, then the pet goes into a database or waits at the shelter for their family. Families that find pets will usually post ads on Craigslist or other social media websites.
With so many options, it can be difficult to know exactly where to start when trying to find your pet. The best way to prevent the heartache of losing your companion is by having them micro-chipped. This simple procedure takes only seconds but could mean the difference between being reunited with your furry friend and never seeing them again.
Micro-chipping your pet
Your veterinarian can quickly and easily insert a microchip in the loose skin between the shoulder blades. This procedure requires no anesthesia is very similar to getting a vaccine. The microchip is registered with you and your pet’s information. Unlike collars and ID tags, a microchip provides a permanent ID that can never fall off or become lost.
Microchips do not require batteries or charging, and they are not tracking devices. When a microchip scanner is passed over them, they emit just enough power to transmit a unique identification number to the scanner. The number gets called into a pet registry service who contacts the person registered to your pet’s microchip.
It is extremely important for you to activate your pet’s microchip. This is not automatically done by your vet. If you are unsure how to activate it, ask your vet for details. If you move at any point during your pet’s life, you will need to update your information with the microchip company!
Every pet should be micro-chipped
Claws N Paws Day Spa strongly encourages everyone to have their pet micro-chipped. We’ve seen numerous pets safely reunited with their families. Unfortunately, we’ve known many more that never were. It’s been our experience that micro-chipped pets stand a much better chance of being found.
For more information, or to schedule a grooming appointment, please call 714-962-1005.