What is pet microchipping?
Pet microchipping is a popular method of identifying lost or stolen pets. It involves inserting a tiny, rice-sized microchip under the skin of your pet. The chip contains a unique identification number that can be read by special scanners used by veterinary clinics, animal shelters and animal control agencies. Microchipping is a safe and painless procedure that can help reunite you with your pet if they ever get lost. Unlike tags or collars which can fall off or be removed, microchipping provides permanent identification for your furry friend.
The microchip is implanted using a hypodermic needle between the shoulder blades of your pet. It generally takes only seconds to do this procedure, which can provide lifetime protection for your furry friend if done correctly. Pet microchipping technology has also improved over time; new devices now offer longer battery life and greater accuracy in locating missing pets. This unique number corresponds to the contact details of the pet owner stored in a database.
Benefits: Identification, safety, and convenience.
Microchipping your pet does not hurt them, it feels similar to getting vaccinated or having blood drawn. The procedure typically takes just a few minutes and can usually be done during a routine vet visit. Once your pet has been microchipped, you will need to register their information with the manufacturer’s database so that they can be easily identified if they ever become lost. The major benefit of pet microchipping is its permanence. It’s important to remember that while collars and tags are helpful in identifying pets, they are not fool proof. Microchipping is affordable and easy to do, so there’s no reason not to get it done for your beloved pet.
The benefits of microchipping your pets include:
- Identification: It ensures that your furry friend can always be identified if they get lost. A microchip provides permanent identification for your pet that cannot be lost or removed like a collar or tag.
- Convenience: Unlike collars or tags that can get lost or worn out, a microchip is permanent and never needs replacement.
- Safety: Another benefit of pet microchipping is increased safety for your pets. If they get loose and end up in the hands of someone who isn’t their owner, having a chip can help prove ownership and prevent theft or abuse. A microchip can help reunite them with you quickly and safely.
How it works: Implantation and registration process.
The registration process links this identification number to the owner’s contact details, allowing for quick and easy reunification if the pet gets lost or stolen. The implantation procedure is straightforward and does not require anaesthesia. A veterinarian inserts the chip under the skin with a needle, usually between the shoulder blades. The chips are about as big as a grain of rice, so they are hardly noticeable once implanted. However, it is essential to ensure that the microchip functions correctly by scanning it after implantation. The implantation process involves using a sterile needle to inject the microchip under your pet’s skin.
After implantation, registering your pet’s details with an appropriate database ensures that your information is connected to their unique identification number. In case your pet gets lost or stolen, any animal shelter or veterinary clinic can scan them to retrieve their information from this database. Once your pet is implanted with the microchip, you will receive a certificate of registration that contains the unique identification number of your pet and contact information about yourself and your veterinarian. When registering your pet’s microchip details on an online database, it’s important to ensure all information provided is accurate and up-to-date. This includes updating any changes in address or phone numbers over time.
Cost and availability: Affordability and accessibility.
Microchipping is an important process for keeping your pets safe and secure. Swan Street Vet in Richmond is an accredited microchip centre. This means that they are required to follow specific protocols when implanting microchips in animals. One concern of pet owners regarding microchipping is its cost and availability. Although it may seem expensive at first glance, the price varies depending on several factors such as the type of chip used.
Best practices: Maintenance and updating information
Simply implanting the chip is not enough; you need to ensure that the information associated with it is accurate and up-to-date. Here are some best practices for maintaining and updating your pet’s microchip information:
- Check the chip regularly: You should periodically check to ensure that the microchip implanted in your pet matches the one registered with your contact information.
- Keep contact details updated: You must update your contact details every time you change address or phone number.
- Use multiple databases: Ensure that you register your pet’s microchip with more than one database as this will help increase their chances of being found if they go missing.
Misconceptions: Addressing common myths about microchipping.
Pet microchipping is becoming increasingly popular among pet owners, but there are still many misconceptions about this technology. It is important to address these myths in order to ensure that pet owners understand the benefits and limitations of microchipping their pets.
Here we aim to address common myths about pet microchipping.
- Myth: Microchipping is painful for pets: The process of implanting a microchip is no more painful than receiving a routine vaccination. Most pets experience only minor discomfort during the procedure.
- Myth: A microchip can track my pet’s location. They simply provide identification information when scanned by a veterinary clinic or animal shelter. While a GPS device can track your pet’s movements in real-time, a microchip simply contains an identification number that can be read by scanners at animal shelters or veterinary clinics.