Pet Microchip: A Guide to How It Works and Its Benefits

Did you know that one out of three pets becomes lost in their lifetime, according to the American Humane Association? Did you also know that over ten million cats and dogs are lost or stolen annually in the U.S? Out of these, only 23% get reunited with family. This is why a pet microchip is becoming popular and accepted as the best way to protect your beloved pets from being lost. Microchips are tiny devices that are implanted beneath your pet’s skin between their shoulder blades. They are injected with a tiny needle, so there is minimal to no discomfort for your pet.

How Does a Microchip Work?

A microchip has a unique identification number that an electronic scanner can read. Once scanned, the microchip provides contact information which includes name, address, owner’s telephone numbers, and other important information like breed type and age. This helps tremendously in getting animals back to their rightful owners quickly.

When a scanner passes over the chip in your pet, the information stored within it is relayed to the screen of the scanner device. This way, you can get all your pet’s vital information displayed on your screen. The process takes only seconds, and it does not hurt or harm the animal in any way.

Benefits of Using a Microchip to Track Your Pet

• A microchip is important because it can help track and find your pet in case they are lost or stolen.
• It helps identify an owner to any animal control officers, veterinarians, police officers, or humane organization workers involved in animal rescue or investigation.
• Microchip implants are safe for animals. Hospitals and veterinarians have been using microchips for years on animals without any side effects.
• Microchips also help you keep track of your pet’s health. They monitor and store pets’ medical information on the chip itself to provide proper treatment right away in case of a medical emergency.

Let Andes-Straley Veterinary Hospital Help You

Animal experts, veterinarians, and the American Veterinary Medical Association highly recommend getting your pet chipped, so they are protected. Andes-Straley Veterinary Hospital is a full-service animal hospital that provides a wide range of services for pets of all kinds, including microchipping. For more information about microchipping or any other animal care needs, contact us today and save your pet’s life!