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Statistically, one in three pets will become separated from their owners at least once in their lifetime, meaning that approximately 10 millions American dogs and cats are lost or stolen every year. Of these pets, less than a quarter are ever reunited with their families.
Obviously, these numbers are frightening and can be distressing to pet owners (and their pets, if they could comprehend them). Microchipping your pet is a simple, yet effective, defense against permanent loss or separation.
Weird Science?
Pet microchips are about the size of a single grain of rice. Each chip has its own unique identification number. When a radio-frequency identification (RFID) reader, or microchip scanner, is waved over the chip, the microchip’s number is displayed on the screen. When this unique number is entered into a nationwide microchip database, the contact details of the owner can be retrieved.
Microchips last throughout a pet’s life and have the potential to work without fail if the pet owner’s current information is registered in a nationwide database.
Pet owners must register their pet’s microchip, and update their contact information with the database if it ever changes.
Is Microchipping Pets Painful?
Injecting a microchip is a straightforward, non-invasive procedure that is similar to a routine vaccination. No anesthesia is necessary for microchipping, but to reduce any pain or discomfort owners may opt to have their pet chipped while being spayed or neutered. This practice is a routine part of kitten and puppy care, but animas of all ages should be chipped.
Microchipping Your Pet
Injected just beneath the skin between the shoulder blades, pet microchips have proven to be an effective strategy to bring home lost or missing pets. In fact, microchipped dogs are reunited with their families over 50% of the time, as opposed to 20% of dogs without chips. Microchipped cats are returned to their owners about 40% of the time, whereas unchipped cats have a 1% chance of ever going home.
Lost & Found
Our veterinary staff know how hard it is to lose a pet. They are our best friends and deserve every chance to come home. Please call us with any questions or concerns. True Care Veterinary Hospital is always here for you.