Microchipping your fur baby is a simple and permanent way to help identify them and where “home” is if they are in an unfamiliar place or decide to go wandering with their paw-rents permission!
Give Me The Basics About Microchipping!
A microchip is a minuscule device (usually about the size of a grain of rice) that is inserted just under a pet’s skin, most commonly between their shoulder blades. A microchip is an enclosed capsule that consists of a computer chip and some supporting electronics. Once it is gently placed under the top layer of skin, if it comes into contact with a handheld scanner, the chip emits a code that is then displayed on the scanner. The code is linked to the pet’s owner in the microchip company’s system, or essentially their HUGE address book. This includes contact information that can then be used to communicate to the pets owners. The microchip does not need a power source (no thank you, batteries) as it is only activated when read by a microchip scanner that uses radio frequency.
What's The Process of Getting A Microchip Implanted?
The process of inserting a microchip involves the use of a needle that is a tiny bit larger than the one used to give common vaccines. Usually, most implants occur with an already scheduled procedure when the fur baby planning to be under anesthesia so they won’t feel a thing.
Now Let's Talk Money - How Much Does This Cost?
Thankfully, we’re not talkin’ about a budget buster here. The actual microchip itself usually only costs on average $40!
So Are You Saying A Microchip Can Track My Pets Location?
NO! There is a common misconception that a microchip allows you to track your pets location and unfortunately, this is NOT the case. The microchip emits a code that is unique to the owner only when it is scanned by the microchip scanner and this simply provides the owner contact information.
Sounds Great But How About Any Drawbacks?
As with most things in life, microchipping isn’t a fully fool-proof solution. Sometimes, a lost pet is found by someone who hasn’t ever heard of microchipping or doesn’t have access to a scanner. Sometimes, the chip has migrated from the spot where it was placed between the shoulder blades and the person scanning the pet cannot locate it. Sometimes, the pet owner hasn’t kept their contact information up-to-date and, even though the lost pet is scanned, it is a dead end. For more specific, in-depth concerns it is best to consult a veterinarian (they’re the smart ones after all)!
If I Want To Get My Pet Microchipped, What Do I Do?
Contact your trusted veterinarian! If you’re local to the NC area, feel free to reach out to our team – our lovely ladies at the front desk would be more than happy to chat with you!
We hope all of this information has provided insight to all things: microchipping! Stay tuned for our next new blog post in July – it is sure to be a HOT topic!
