Taking An In-Depth Look into Pet Microchipping, How It Works, And How It Can Help Your Pets In Honor Of National Check the Chip Day
Every year on August 15th, pet lovers across the country observe National Check the Chip Day—a reminder to all pet owners about the importance of microchipping their furry friends and ensuring that the microchip information is up-to-date. But what exactly is microchipping, and why is it so crucial for pet safety?
A pet microchip
What Is Pet Microchipping?
Pet microchipping is a simple, permanent method of identifying your pet. A microchip is a small device, roughly the size of a grain of rice, that is implanted just under the skin of your pet, usually between the shoulder blades. The procedure is quick, similar to a routine vaccination, and most pets don’t even notice it.
Once implanted, the microchip remains with your pet for life. It contains a unique identification number that can be read by a scanner. This number is then registered in a national database, along with the pet owner’s contact information. If your pet ever gets lost and is taken to a shelter or veterinary clinic, staff can scan the microchip, retrieve the identification number, and contact you.
How Does Pet Microchipping Work?
The technology behind microchipping is quite simple but highly effective:
1.Microchip Implantation: A veterinarian injects the microchip under your pet’s skin using a special needle. The process is quick and typically doesn’t require anesthesia.
2.Unique ID Number: Each microchip has a unique identification number that is registered in a pet recovery database along with the owner’s contact information.
3.Scanning The Chip: When a lost pet is found, a vet or shelter worker can scan the pet’s body using a special scanner. The scanner reads the microchip’s unique ID number, which is linked to your contact details.
4.Reuniting Pets and Owners: Once the chip’s ID number is retrieved, the shelter or vet can contact the microchip registry to find the pet owner’s contact information and reunite the pet with its family.
Why microchipping is important
Why Is Microchipping Important?
Every year, millions of pets go missing. Without any form of identification, the chances of them being reunited with their owners are slim. Traditional collars and tags can break or be removed, but a microchip is a permanent form of identification. It significantly increases the likelihood of a lost pet being returned home.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), dogs with microchips are more than twice as likely to be returned to their owners, and cats with microchips are more than twenty times as likely to be reunited with their families compared to those without.
National Check the Chip Day: A Crucial Reminder
National Check the Chip Day is an opportunity for pet owners to:
1.Check Their Pet’s Microchip Information: Ensure your contact information is up to date in the microchip registry. This is crucial if you’ve moved or changed phone numbers.
2.Schedule A Chip Check: If you’re unsure whether your pet’s microchip is working, schedule an appointment with your vet to have it scanned.
3.Spread Awareness: Encourage other pet owners to get their pets microchipped and to regularly update their information.
Pet microchip scan
Keeping Pets Safe
Pet microchipping is a simple yet vital step in safeguarding your beloved companion. On this National Check the Chip Day, take a moment to ensure your pet’s chip is up to date—because you never know when it might make the difference in bringing your furry friend back home.
By spreading awareness and taking proactive steps, we can all contribute to the safety and well-being of pets everywhere. Still have questions about pet microchipping? Click here for more FAQ’s about pet microchipping.
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