Pet microchipping. You have probably heard of it and may have seen the service advertised by your veterinary practice. However, a startling number of pet owners are unaware of exactly what microchipping their pet means and the benefits that it offers. If you feel that your knowledge about pet microchipping is a little lacking, here’s what you need to know about this important service and why you should make it a priority for your pet. 

What is pet microchipping?

Pet microchipping is a service that is now offered by the vast majority of veterinarians as well as many pet shelters. The process is very simple. A tiny microchip, which is around the same size as a grain of rice, is loaded with a unique identification number that links to a database hosted by your microchip provider. This number correlates to a secure entry on this database that holds your personal information. You can usually choose to enter as much information as you like, but as a bare minimum, your contact number/s should be on the database. This is so that you can be contacted if your pet is recovered and scanned. When an RFID scanner is passed over the area, it will activate the microchip which will send the unique identification number to the scanner – nothing more. They can then contact the microchip provider so that they can let them know, who can then let you know, that your pet has been found. 

The microchip is implanted just under the skin of your pet. In most animals, it goes between the shoulder blades. The administration process is very straightforward and is carried out using a quick injection. Your pet shouldn’t feel more than a short scratch. And that’s it – easy! 

Why is microchipping your pet so important?

There are a variety of reasons why microchipping your pet is so important. 

Effectiveness. Pet microchipping is the most effective means of ensuring that your lost pet is returned to you. Research suggests that over 10 million dogs and cats are reported lost every year and unfortunately, many who are microchipped are never reunited with their owners. Recent studies into the effectiveness of microchipping have shown that cats with microchips are 20 times more likely to be returned to their owner. Meanwhile, microchipped dogs are returned 2.5 times more than those who do not have this form of identification. 

Reliability. One of the best things about microchips is their reliability. Unlike collars and tags, they cannot be removed and tampered with, and they can’t fall off. They have no moving parts, so there is nothing to break, and are likely to last your pet the duration of their lifetime with absolutely no bother. However, we still recommend that you get your pet’s chip checked at their yearly wellness appointment to ensure that it is working as it should be. 

Proof of ownership. Whilst microchipping isn’t definitive proof of ownership, if you do get into a dispute with someone about who your pet belongs to, having the microchip registered in your name will certainly go in your favor. 

Deter thieves. Unfortunately, many pets are stolen every year. Some are taken by opportunist thieves whilst others are specifically targeted for their desirability. By advertising the fact that your pet is microchipped, such as by placing a tag on their collar that states ‘I am microchipped’, you can potentially deter any possible theft. 

Closure. It is a very sad fact that some pets who become lost do survive until they are discovered. In these instances, if your pet is chipped, there is every chance that they can still be scanned, and you can be notified and given the option of being reunited with your pet even after they have crossed the rainbow bridge. Many owners prefer to have closure in this way and to be able to grieve for their pets in the manner of their choosing. 

If you would like to discover more about pet microchipping, including the reasons why you should arrange to get your pet chipped as soon as possible, please speak to our experienced veterinary team.