National Microchipping Month

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

Once Fido or Fluffy is microchipped, you’ll need to update their records in the chipmaker’s registry. Remember to update this information if you move or change your email address or phone number. Several studies on microchips and their effectiveness at helping pets get returned home have recorded a significant percentage of pets who were chipped, but whose owners could not be located due to incorrect or outdated information.

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

Microchips don’t require maintenance, upgrades, or reboots. However, we would advise having your vet check your pet’s chip annually, to ensure that it’s still in the right position, and is still functioning properly.

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.

Our Advice on National Microchipping Month in 2024

What are the basics of pet microchips, and how do they work?

Microchips for pets are tiny devices, about the size of a grain of rice, that serve as a permanent form of identification. They contain a unique identification number that can be read with a special scanner. When a veterinarian or animal shelter scans a lost pet, they can retrieve this number and contact the owner using the chipmaker’s database. Microchipping is a quick and simple procedure where the chip is injected beneath the pet’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades, much like a vaccination. It’s a reliable way to ensure your pet can be identified and returned to you if they ever get lost.

How is getting a pet microchipped, and is it a quick procedure?

Getting a pet microchipped is a swift and straightforward procedure. It typically takes just a few minutes at your veterinarian’s office. The process involves using a hypodermic needle to inject a tiny microchip beneath your pet’s skin, usually between their shoulder blades. It’s comparable to giving your pet a regular shot or vaccination. While it’s quick, the benefits of microchipping can last a lifetime, providing a reliable and permanent form of identification that can help reunite you with your pet if it ever becomes lost. It’s a simple step toward ensuring your pet’s safety and peace of mind.

Are there any additional perks or uses for microchips beyond identification?

Microchips offer additional perks beyond identification. While they don’t incorporate GPS technology, they can be used with products like pet doors and feeders that only respond to a specific microchip. This allows controlled access for your pet while keeping unwanted animals out. However, it’s important to note that GPS tags are a separate technology. Microchips are excellent for permanent identification, but it’s still advisable to use traditional pet tags in conjunction with microchips for the most comprehensive pet safety and retrieval system.

Do microchips require maintenance or regular check-ups by a veterinarian?

Microchips for pets do not require regular maintenance, upgrades, or check-ups. Once implanted, they remain functional for the lifetime of your pet. However, it’s advisable to have your veterinarian check the position and functionality of the microchip during your pet’s annual check-up. This ensures the chip is still in the correct location and can be reliably scanned. While the microchip is low-maintenance, keeping your contact information updated in the chipmaker’s registry is crucial to ensure a successful reunion with your pet in case it ever gets lost.

Should pets have both microchips and tags for identification?

Yes, it’s highly recommended that pets have both microchips and tags for identification. Microchips provide a permanent and secure form of identification but require a special scanner to read the information. Tags, on the other hand, offer immediate visual identification with your pet’s name and your contact details. If your pet gets lost, a tag allows anyone who finds them to reach out and facilitate a reunion quickly. Both ensure a comprehensive identification system, increasing the chances of a lost pet being returned to you promptly. It’s a simple yet effective way to enhance your pet’s safety.

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