Calling all responsible pet owners – microchipping your pet is a simple and permanent way to identify them and help bring them home if they get lost on an adventure, wander away from home, or are explorin’ in a new place (without momma or daddy’s knowledge).
What’s All The Hype About Microchipping, Anyways?
A microchip is a small device that is usually about the size of a grain of rice. It is inserted just under a pet’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades. A microchip consists of a computer chip, some supporting electronics, and a capsule to enclose them. Once it is gently placed under the skin, if it comes into contact with a handheld scanner the chip emits a code that is then displayed on the scanner. The code is linked to the pet’s owner in the microchip company’s system, or essentially their HUGE address book. This includes contact information that can then be used to communicate to the pets owners. The microchip does not need a power source as it is only activated when read by a microchip scanner that uses radio frequency.
Well, How Does A Microchip Get Implanted?
The process of inserting a microchip involves the use of a needle that is a tiny bit larger than the one used to give common vaccines. Usually, most implants occur with an already scheduled procedure when the fur baby planning to be under anesthesia so they won’t feel a thing.
What's a Microchip Going to Cost Me?
You don’t have to loosen those purse strings too much – the actual microchip itself usually only costs on average $40!
I've Heard Through The Grapevine A Microchip Can Be Used To Find My Pets Location. Is This True?
There is a common misconception that a microchip allows you to track your pets location. Unfortunately, this is NOT the case. The microchip emits a code that is unique to the owner only when it is scanned by the microchip scanner. Think of it this way – the microchip is like a contact card with pet owners info that’s always on the pet!
Sounds Great But How About Any Drawbacks?
As with most things in life, microchipping isn’t a fully fool-proof solution. Sometimes, a lost pet is found by someone who hasn’t ever heard of microchipping or doesn’t have access to a scanner. Sometimes, the chip has migrated from the spot where it was placed between the shoulder blades and the person scanning the pet cannot locate it. Sometimes, the pet owner hasn’t kept their contact information up-to-date and, even though the lost pet is scanned, it is a dead end. For more specific, in-depth concerns it is best to consult a veterinarian (they’re the smart ones after all)!
If I Want To Get My Pet Microchipped, What Do I Do?
Contact your trusted veterinarian! If you’re local to the NC area, feel free to reach out to our team – our lovely ladies at the front desk would be more than happy to chat with you!
We hope this information has provided insight to all things: microchipping! Stay tuned for our next new blog post in July! It’s sure to be a HOT topic!
