Pet microchipping increases the odds of a lost pet becoming a found pet.When a beloved dog or cat becomes separated from their owner in a natural disaster, home fire, or just by slipping out the door, it can be devastating. While it is not possible to prevent all of these types of events, there are some things you can do to help your pet get home safely.

While collars and identification tags can be extremely helpful, they can be removed, break, or become damaged. A more permanent means of identification is ideal to help lost pets find their way back to their rightful owners.

Pet microchipping is an important tool when it comes to reuniting pets and owners, and Stone Ridge Veterinary Medical Center is happy to help that happen.

All About Pet Microchipping

Pet microchipping might sound a little futuristic, but in reality it is not that new of a technology. In fact, we have been microchipping pets for over twenty years at this point.

A microchip is a small electronic transmitter, enclosed in a glass case. It is around the size of a grain of rice and totally inert, meaning the body does not react to it at all. It is implanted under the skin, between the shoulderblades, using a large bore needle.

There are many misconceptions about pet microchipping. Understanding its capabilities and limitations is important when it comes to choosing what to do for your pet.

  • Microchips can only be read by a special scanner (found at most veterinary hospitals and animal shelters).
  • The serial number read from the chip references the pet owner’s contact information.
  • A microchip does not emit any type of signal and cannot be located remotely.
  • A microchip typically works the entire lifetime of a pet.
  • Microchips bond to the tissues under the skin within 24 hours, making it highly unlikely they will move from where they are placed.
  • A chip can be safely placed in an awake or anesthetized animal, and often at the time of spay or neuter.

Your Role

Pets who are microchipped stand a much better shot at getting back to their owners than those who are not. Microchipping is a great backup safety measure for most pets. It can’t find your lost pet, but it can find you when your pet ends up in the right hands.

As with many things, ensuring that your pet’s microchip does its job requires a little effort from you. If you microchip your pet:

  • Keep your registration, including current address and phone number, up-to-date. A microchip serial number means very little if not attached to your contact information.
  • When adopting or taking over ownership of a pet, be sure that the previous owner transfers the microchip into your name.
  • Participate in Check the Chip Day (coming up August 15) and have your pet’s chip scanned to ensure it is working and the registration is current.

Pet microchipping is a great way to help your pet find their way home should you ever be separated. As always, we are happy to answer any questions you might have about the procedure. Call us today to help get your pet protected!