National Microchipping Month

June marks National Microchipping Month, an annual observance dedicated to promoting the benefits of microchipping pets for their safety and security. Every year, millions of pets go missing, and tragically, many never reunite with their families. Microchipping offers a reliable solution to this widespread issue. A simple, quick procedure inserts a small chip, about the size of a grain of rice, under the pet’s skin, where it remains safely throughout the pet’s life. This chip carries a unique ID number that, when scanned, links to a database with the owner’s contact information. Unlike collars and tags, which can break or fall off, microchips provide a permanent form of identification. National Microchipping Month raises awareness about this technology and encourages pet owners to take this crucial step in pet protection, significantly increasing the chances of pets returning home if they become lost.

June is National Microchipping Month! If your furry pal has not been microchipped yet, it may be time to rectify that. Though microchips are very small, they form a powerful, invisible link between you and your pet. A Yorkville, IL vet offers some information on microchipping in this article.

Basics

Microchips are about the size of a single grain of rice. They don’t store or transmit data. Each chip only has a unique identification number, which can be read with a special scanner. Veterinarians and the staff at animal shelters generally check lost pets, and will try to contact the owner if a chip is found.

Process

Getting your pet microchipped is a quick and easy process that will only take a few minutes. Your vet will use a hypodermic needle to inject the chip beneath your furry buddy’s skin, typically between the shoulder blades. That’s it! For Fido and Fluffy, it’s very much like getting a shot. Microchipping is often done along with spay/neuter surgery, but it can be scheduled alone.

Records

During National Microchipping Month, emphasize the importance of keeping your pet’s microchip information current. Once Fido or Fluffy is microchipped, it’s essential to update their records in the chipmaker’s registry. If you move or change your contact details, such as your email address or phone number, make sure this information is promptly updated. Research underscores that while microchipping is highly effective in reuniting lost pets with their owners, the success rate drops significantly when the microchip’s registration details are incorrect or outdated.

Perks

Microchips have not been successfully integrated with GPS technology … at least, not so far. However, there are products that work with them. For instance, you can get pet doors and feeders that will only open for a specific microchip, so that Fido and Fluffy can get in and get their dinner, but the cat next door is out of luck. (Note: GPS tags are great, though unrelated.)

Maintenance

During National Microchipping Month, it’s particularly relevant to remember that microchips don’t need maintenance, upgrades, or reboots. Nonetheless, it’s advisable to have your vet annually check your pet’s chip. This ensures the chip remains correctly positioned and functions properly, providing peace of mind about your pet’s safety.

Tags

Microchips are wonderful tools, and they have facilitated many tearful reunions between pets and their worried humans. However, they are by no means a replacement for tags. Ideally, pets should have both.

National Microchipping Month in 2024: The Evolution and Impact of Pet Identification Technology

When was microchipping technology first invented and implemented for pets?

Microchipping technology for pets was first developed in the 1980s. The early implementations of this technology aimed to provide a reliable method for identifying pets and linking them to their owners. By embedding a tiny chip with a unique identification number under a pet’s skin, typically between the shoulder blades, this method quickly became a standard practice in veterinary care. The chip is scanned with a special reader to retrieve the ID number, which can then be matched to owner contact information in a registry database. This system enhances the likelihood of reuniting lost pets with their owners.

What role do microchips play in emergency medical situations?

Microchips serve primarily as identification tools rather than emergency medical resources. In urgent situations, these chips help veterinarians and shelter staff quickly identify a pet and access the owner’s contact information. This rapid identification can be crucial if a pet needs immediate medical attention or if the owner must be contacted urgently to make critical health decisions. Although microchips do not store medical records directly, having up-to-date contact information can facilitate faster treatment decisions in emergencies by allowing quick communication with the pet’s owner.

How do microchips help identify pets during natural disasters?

During natural disasters, microchips are crucial for reuniting lost pets with their owners. These tiny devices, implanted under a pet’s skin, carry a unique ID number. This number, when scanned by a special scanner typically available at veterinary offices and animal shelters, allows the identification of a pet’s registered owner. For effective use, owners must ensure their contact details are up-to-date in the microchip registry. This simple yet effective technology significantly increases the chances of pets being returned to their families amid the chaos of emergencies.

Why is summer particularly important for ensuring pets are microchipped?

Summer is a critical time for microchipping pets due to the increased likelihood of animals going missing. As pets spend more time outdoors, the chances of them straying from home rise significantly. Microchipping provides a reliable method of identification that remains with your pet throughout its life. This simple procedure can drastically improve the odds of a lost pet being reunited with its owner. Unlike tags, which can detach or wear out, microchips offer a permanent solution that can significantly reduce the anxiety associated with lost pets during the active summer months.

How can pet owners participate in National Microchipping Month?

During National Microchipping Month, pet owners have a perfect opportunity to ensure their pets’ safety by having them microchipped. This simple procedure involves a vet inserting a chip, roughly the size of a grain of rice, between the pet’s shoulder blades, typically a quick and relatively painless process akin to a routine vaccination. Once chipped, it’s crucial to register and maintain up-to-date contact details in the chipmaker’s registry to maximize the chance of a reunion should the pet ever get lost. Owners are also advised to check the chip annually to confirm it’s functioning and correctly positioned.

Do you have questions about your kitty’s health or care? Contact us, your local Yorkville, IL pet clinic, anytime.