What happens if your pet gets lost? In the past, you would give them nametags, and while they are a great way to identify your pets, they also rely on others to reunite you with your pets in the unfortunate event that they ever go missing. Not to mention, if the nametag somehow gets removed, you can have no other way of identifying your pets.
You could also get a serial number tattooed in your pet’s ear to be able to identify them, but this too would fade over time. Today, you have the technology to help you locate your pet. Many pet owners get their pets microchipped for easy identification in case their pets ever get lost. It’s a better and effective method than nametags, that’s for sure!
How Does Microchipping Work?
A microchip for a pet is a tiny, grain-sized computer coated in a special kind of glass that a veterinarian can inject into your pet’s shoulder blades with a needle. It doesn’t cause any reactions from living tissue, so it’s almost the same as getting your pet vaccinated.
The good news is that you don’t have to worry about the side effects. In most cases, implanting a chip does not cause pain, and many pets barely notice it. Still, if you think your pet may object to the needle – since it is slightly bigger than the one used for shots – you can get it done during a procedure like fixing or neutering when your pet will be on anesthesia and thus will not feel the pain.
The chip is harmless, low-cost, and can last for your pet’s entire lifetime. You can ask your veterinarian about microchipping if you are looking to get your pet chipped. Most vets offer it as a standard service.
After you get your pet chipped, you’ll have to register them with a microchip company for a one-time fee. The microchip company will register your name and address so that if your pet ever runs away or gets lost, they can be traced back to you.
Benefits of Microchipping
For one thing, microchips are a good option to use as identification for your pets. Many pet owners are reluctant to let their furry friends stay outside for the very reason that it’s easy for pets to get lost or distracted, or even petnapped! If pets get lost, there is a real danger of them getting into accidents or being mistaken as strays.
With microchips, all those worries can be put aside. The chips are inside the body, so they don’t fall off or get removed. And once scanned, they can be identified as your pet, and you’ll be reunited with your beloved animal.
Microchips are also long-lasting. They are designed to last for your pet’s entire life and do not need replacements or batteries.
Considerations
Responsible pet ownership doesn’t end with getting your pet microchipped.
Remember, chips do not include a GPS or navigation system, so you would not be able to find your pet unless they are scanned and you are contacted. Not every veterinary clinic has the universal scanner needed to scan chips, especially in rural areas. Sometimes, chips can also migrate to other parts of the pet’s body, so scanning must be done over their whole body instead of just their shoulder blades.
Make sure your contact information is always up to date. And don’t forget that name tags are still beneficial in making sure your pet stays safe! Letting your pet play outside is nice, but don’t let them go too far.
Vet Clinic in New Hamburg
You can get your pet microchipped at our veterinary clinic in New Hamburg. If you have any concerns regarding the process, the Nith Valley Animal Hospital professionals are always here to address your questions and concerns.
