Safe Pets- Microchips are the Way to Go!
As pet owners, we all want to ensure the safety and well-being of our beloved furry companions. Whether it’s a dog, cat, or any other pet, they are an integral part of our family and we want to do everything we can to protect them. One of the most effective ways to ensure the safety of our pets is by getting them microchipped. In this article, we will discuss the importance of microchipping our pets and why it is the way to go!
What are Microchips?
Microchips are small, electronic chips about the size of a grain of rice that are inserted under the skin of our pets, usually between the shoulder blades. These chips have a unique identification number that is linked to your pet’s information in a national database. This information includes your contact details, your pet’s name, and any medical conditions or other important information about your pet.
How do they Work?
The microchip is implanted by a veterinarian or trained professional using a syringe-like tool. The process is quick, similar to getting a vaccine, and is relatively painless for your pet. Once the microchip is in place, it can be scanned by a special device, similar to a barcode scanner, to retrieve the ID number. This number is then used to retrieve your pet’s information from the database, allowing for easy identification and contact with you as the owner.
Why Microchipping is Important?
There are several reasons why microchipping our pets is important. The most significant reason is that it greatly increases the chances of being reunited with our lost or stolen pets. Collars and tags can easily fall off or be removed, but a microchip is a permanent and secure form of identification. In fact, a study by the American Veterinary Medical Association found that dogs with microchips were returned to their owners 52.2% of the time, compared to only 21.9% without microchips. This shows just how effective microchips are in ensuring the safety and well-being of our pets.
In addition to identification, microchips can also provide valuable medical information about your pet. For example, if your pet has a medical condition that requires special care, that information can be included in the database. This can be extremely helpful in an emergency situation or if your pet is found by someone who is not familiar with their medical history.
Myths about Microchipping
Despite its many benefits, there are still some myths and misconceptions surrounding microchipping. One common misconception is that it is a tracking device and can be used to spy on our pets. This is simply not true. Microchips do not have GPS technology and can only be scanned by a special device in close proximity. They are not capable of tracking the location of our pets.
Another myth is that microchipping is expensive. In reality, the cost of microchipping is relatively affordable, usually ranging from $25-$50 depending on the veterinarian or shelter. Some microchipping clinics even offer discounted rates or specials, making it even more affordable for pet owners.
Helping Strays and Shelters
Microchipping not only benefits individual pet owners, but it also helps stray animals and animal shelters. Many shelters scan all incoming animals for microchips, and if a chip is found, they are able to quickly return the pet to their owner. This helps alleviate the overcrowding in shelters and also saves them the expense of caring for the lost pet.
In addition, microchipping can also help prevent pets from being wrongfully labeled as strays and being adopted out to a new family. If your pet’s microchip is not registered or updated with your current information, it can cause confusion when trying to reunite you with your pet.
Keep the Information Up to Date
While microchipping is an effective way to ensure the safety of our pets, it is important to note that it is only effective if the information is kept up to date. If you move, change your phone number, or get a new email address, it is critical to update your pet’s information in the database. This will ensure that if your pet is ever lost or stolen, you can easily be contacted and reunited with them.
In Conclusion
Microchipping is undoubtedly the way to go when it comes to keeping our pets safe. It is a simple, painless, and affordable procedure that greatly increases the chances of being reunited with our beloved furry friends. With its many benefits and relatively low cost, microchipping is a no-brainer for any responsible pet owner. Don’t wait until it’s too late, make an appointment with your veterinarian today and get your pet microchipped!
