There are many important decisions you will make as a pet parent. Choosing whether to microchip your pet, is one of them. If you’ve ever adopted a cat or dog, it’s likely that your pet may already be microchipped when you take your new furry friend home with you. But what if you bring home a newborn puppy or kitten? Then it becomes your choice whether or not to microchip your pet, and there’s a few things you should know about the process. This blog dives into what a microchip is and how it works, how microchipping can benefit your fur baby, whether or not there are side effects, and where to get one if you decide that’s the right choice for you. Get all of your microchipping questions answered here!
What Is a Microchip?
A microchip is a tiny device (about the size of a singular grain of rice) that has a unique identification number inside of the chip. This number connects to information – usually the pet’s name, owner’s name, address, and phone number– that is stored in an online database. A microchip is typically inserted in the subcutaneous tissue (beneath the skin) between the shoulder blades, think behind the scruff of an animal, a process that is typically quick and painless.
How Does a Microchip Work?
First and foremost, a microchip does not tell the exact location of a pet. Microchips use radio frequency identification (RFID) and not a global positioning system (GPS). Instead, a unique identification number is given to your cat or dog when they are microchipped. You must then register that number with your information (name, pet’s name, address, phone number) The information is stored separately in a database, and the microchip itself only contains the identification number.
The RFID on a microchip is passive and cannot transmit information through it. Microchips can only be read through a microchip scanner. In the past, only certain types of scanners could read specific microchips, but now, veterinarians are able to search for any microchip by passing the microchip scanner over the animal and reading the identification number. This means if your pet gets lost, any veterinarian can easily scan the back of your pet’s neck, and pull up your contact information within moments!
Why Microchip Your Pet?
According to the Animal Humane Society, one in three pets will go missing in their lifetime. Microchips provide an extra layer of safety and peace of mind for you as a pet parent, so that in the event your pet ever does get lost (and loses their collar or tags) you are far more likely to be reunited!
Sometimes, when pets experience stress, their fight or flight instincts cause them to stray or run off. Worried about your kitty running away? You can minimize the likelihood of them getting lost with these safety tips. No matter where your pet is found, a veterinary clinic or animal control officer will be able to pull up the information registered under the chip number and contact you.
Microchipping your pet is highly recommended by veterinarians because it provides a form of permanent identification. While collars and tags are important to help identify a pet, these can be removed, lost, or broken. At JM Pet Resort & Veterinary Clinic, we advise having your pet wear a collar with ID tags and microchipping them! Having multiple ways to identify your animal will yield better results, eliminating numerous safety concerns. For example, a collar can be chewed off or loosened to the point that your pet can slip out of it – a microchip is a great second layer of protection in these instances.
How to Get a Microchip
The good news is it’s easy to get a microchip! Most veterinary clinics offer microchipping as a service. Call our team at JM Veterinary Clinic to make an appointment to microchip your pet– we’re here to answer any questions you may have.
Generally speaking, once the microchip is inserted, you must register the pet’s microchip to link your information with your pet. Your veterinarian will provide you with instructions for the database linked to your pet’s chip, and you can go online yourself to fill in your own information.
If you choose to get your pet microchipped at our Veterinary Clinic, your pet is auto-registered with the contact information we have for you on file. (We’ll verify it’s correct at checkout!) We make it easy to microchip pets and keep them safe with HomeAgain Pet Recovery.
Again, if you’ve adopted a pet through a shelter or rescue, it’s likely they are already microchipped. Speak with the shelter or rescue to find out. If you’re unsure, your veterinarian can scan your pet for the microchip number. Once you have that number, you can register or update the existing information on the chip.
When Is a Microchip Number Accessed?
A microchip number is accessed when a lost animal is brought to a facility where the microchip can be scanned. If an animal isn’t brought to animal control or a veterinarian to have their chip scanned, there’s no way to read the chip. This is why we recommend your pet always wears a collar with up-to-date identification tags, even if they are also microchipped. If they ever get lost, an ID tag is easy for anyone to read and may help eliminate the extra step of having to bring the lost pet to a veterinarian.
How To Check or Update Your Pet’s Microchip Information
Many pet owners know that their dog or cat has a microchip, perhaps from their rescue organization, but aren’t sure what information is recorded or where to find it. Scanning a microchip is something most veterinary offices can do for you easily, to tell you the identification number of your pet. From there, you can look up your pet’s number to see what contact information is stored and then update it if needed.
Microchipping Next Steps…
Microchipping your pet is a decision that can significantly enhance their safety and your peace of mind. Unlike collars and tags, which can be removed, lost or damaged, a microchip remains with your pet for life.
In addition to implanting the microchip, maintaining up-to-date information is also important. Regularly check and update your pet’s microchip details to ensure accuracy, which will help make the reunion process that much smoother if they ever become lost. If you’re wondering about your pet’s chip, JM Veterinary Clinic can help!
Microchipping is an investment into your pet’s safety and well-being. Call us at 508-588-5661 for more information, or ask us to scan your pet’s microchip during your next vet visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Microchipping Safe For Dogs?
Yes, microchipping is safe for dogs and cats and has in fact become standard practice in most shelters and veterinary clinics. There are generally no side effects of microchipping either. Pets that have microchips also have a higher chance of being reunited with their families.
How Much Does Microchipping Cost?
Microchipping services typically range from $25-$60. We believe in open and transparent pricing for our Veterinary Clinic services, check out our rates page for our most up to date pricing.
How Long Do Microchips last?
Microchips are designed to last for the lifetime of the pet, typically 25 years. They are a permanent solution compared to that of a collar or ID tag, they don’t turn off or wear out and therefore don’t typically need to be replaced.
Can a Microchip Replace a Collar?
Microchips should not replace your pet’s collar and ID tags. At JM Pet Resort & Veterinary Clinic, we advise having your pet wear a collar with ID tags and microchipping them!