The Importance of Microchipping Your Pet

Despite our best efforts, accidents can happen.  Someone leaves the door open for just a moment.  An adventurous pet digs under the fence.  Pets can and do get away.  In fact, it is estimated that ten million pets are lost or stolen each year in the United States.  Sadly, one and a half million are euthanized in pet shelters each year.  Having an ID tag on your pet’s collar is an excellent way to get your pet back. Be sure to include your name, your phone number, and your address on your pet’s ID tag. But microchipping your pet is even better!

Many pets lose their collars or tags during escape attempts. Others have their collars or tags removed by people whose intentions may or may not be benign.  When your pet has no obvious identification, the chances of you getting your pet back safely decline exponentially.  Microchips are a great way of permanently identifying your pet.

If your microchipped pet ends up at an animal shelter, a humane association, or a veterinary hospital, it can be easily and positively identified with a special scanner.  You will then be contacted for reunification with your pet.  Microchipping your pet increases your chances of getting your pet returned to you by more than 50%.

Your pet can be easily microchipped at a veterinary hospital.  The procedure is quick, simple and affordable.  It is important to have your pet registered after being microchipped.  Most chips are tied to the facility where they are purchased.  If your pet is discovered with a chip, the animal hospital or humane association where that chip was administered will be notified.  Then they will notify you.  You can bypass the chipping facility by filling out a one-page form and mailing it into the manufacturer of the chip.  That way you will be contacted directly.  Either way, if you move, it is critical you make the animal hospital or the chip manufacturer know of your new address and/or phone number.  

If your pet does not have an ID tag, get one as soon as possible.  If your pet is not micro- chipped, have it done soon to prevent a tragic and potentially permanent separation.

Kanab Veterinary Hospital is happy to provide microchipping and you can learn more on our services page.

Also, you can check out some FAQ’s from the American Veterinarian Medical Association: AVMA FAQ

Be sure to catch up with PAH next month when we discuss ‘Parvovirus.’