Microchip ID's: Should Your Pet Be Implanted?
Lately you may have read an article, seen an ad, or even discussed with your veterinarian the possibility of implanting your pet with a microchip for identification purposes. Is this a good idea? Many people believe that it is an excellent idea. Although you should not count on it 100%, a microchip ID implanted in your pet may save her life one day.
We have all seen the posters looking for the missing pet who ran away from home. Too often, this pet is never found. Too many lost pets each year are euthanized in animal shelters because they were not reunited with their families in time. It is estimated that only a small percentage of lost pets who end up in shelters are reunited with their families. Although many people rely on the collar and tag to identify their pets, these can easily become detached if your pet is running wild away from your home. Also, they can be scratched or rusted, making them nearly impossible to read.
The microchip ID is about the size of a grain of rice and is implanted just under the skin, in the subcutaneous tissues of your pet. This ID is available for all pets, including dogs, cats, horses, reptiles, birds, and other small exotic pets. For most pets the chip is implanted on the back, between the shoulder blades, and in a bird it is implanted under the wing. Each chip is assigned a completely unique number that is associated with your pet and identifying information. Once this chip is implanted, it can be read with a scanner and the information is matched to the chip number. This allows your pet to be instantly identified as belonging to you, and you will be contacted immediately. Most shelters and veterinary hospitals in the United States today have microchip ID readers.
The implantation procedure is very simple. Although it must be performed at your veterinarian's office, it is no more complicated or dangerous than a simple shot, such as for vaccines. The chip is within a needle that is inserted under your pet's skin and then delivered to your pet. Many pets do not even notice that they have been implanted.
The chip is completely safe, and will have no effect on your pet's health. Although in the past chips have moved from the original place of implantation, the newer chips have anti-migration properties so they will stay in place. The chip is designed to outlive your pet and will never "run out of power." There are no batteries or power source within the chip. When passed over the chip, the scanner provides it with enough energy to output the ID number.
Implanting a microchip to rapidly identify your pet is an excellent idea. However, you should still use a collar and tags. That way, if a neighbor finds your dog or cat in their yard they will be able to call you and let you know. Many times the chip company will provide you with a tag that will inform people that your pet has a chip, which may save time at the shelter. Be sure that your chip is updated with your correct address and phone number, and you should have your veterinarian check the chip every year or so to be sure it is still functioning properly. Ask your veterinarian about having a microchip implanted in your pet today!