Pets owners can understand the pain associated with losing a pet. When you lose a dog or cat, finding them can be an arduous feat. Microchipping can help pet owners reunite with their lost furry friends.

What is Microchipping

Microchipping involves the insertion of a tiny device, approximately the size of a grain of rice, under the pet’s skin. The device is a microchip enclosed in a unique glass capsule. This material is compatible with living tissue and is implanted between the pet’s shoulder blades using a special syringe, slightly bigger than that used for vaccination purposes at a veterinary clinic. Most pets experience little to no pain during the chip installation procedure.

Once the chip is inserted, it is activated with a handheld scanner device that uses radiofrequency to read the chip. Once activated, the chip emits a unique alphanumeric code displayed on the scanner. This code has to be integrated with a microchip company’s system to help trace your pet. The lost pet must be scanned to provide the pet finder with the owner’s contact information.

How Microchipping Works

A common misconception associated with microchips is that they can track your pet’s location if they go missing. Unfortunately, pet microchips do not come with a GPS or any other tracking technology. Ask your veterinarian about microchipping, and they will tell you that you cannot directly locate your lost pet through microchipping.

The inserted microchip, when scanned, emits a unique code carrying the owner’s contact information. Whoever finds your lost pet must take it to the animal hospital or any facility where microchip scanning is available.

The microchip has to be registered with the microchipping service provider. Moreover, your contact information must be updated regularly with the microchip company. It is also a good idea to enter your dog’s unique identification number in the free pet registry as an extra precaution.

Microchips are not a foolproof way of bringing back a lost pet; however, having one inserted increases the chances of finding your beloved pet.

It is also good to place a visible ID tag on your pet or tattoo your pet with your contact information. That way, if someone happens to find your pet, there is enough information available to reunite you with your pet. Physical ID tags may fall off as well. Therefore, it is ideal to use both methods to ensure your pet’s best protection.

Benefits of Microchipping Your Pet

Microchips are long-lasting. They need not be charged or replaced and do not require any batteries either. Once inserted, you can rest assured that if your pet is lost, you’ve higher chances of finding them.

Most people assume that microchipping would be expensive. Microchipping is quite affordable, especially considering it is a one-time investment.

On the flip side, a microchip does not help bring a lost pet home if not scanned. The chip can migrate to a different location within your pet’s body, so it is essential to examine the pet’s entire body to trace your contact information. It will be of no use if not registered or carries outdated contact information.

Also, microchips and scanners may be incompatible at certain times as scanners may not pick up the chip’s radiofrequency. In such cases, the most a scanner will confirm the presence of a microchip (the ID and chip company details will not be available). A universal scanner may be needed for the task.

The best way to learn more about microchips is to contact your vet. Governors Road Animal Hospital is a veterinary clinic in Dundas that provides comprehensive healthcare services for pets.

Vet Clinic in Dundas

Contact our clinic if you’re looking for microchipping your pet without a hassle. An expert veterinarian at our clinic will tell you more details about the microchipping process.