A microchip is a tiny device, about the size of a grain of rice, that is injected beneath the surface of your pet’s skin between the shoulder blades. It provides your pet with a permanent identification number, specific to them and only them. It gives them the best chance of returning home if lost.
It is not a GPS or tracking device, meaning you are not able to locate your pet via satellite and GPS coordinates. If your pet gets lost and is taken to an animal shelter or veterinarian, they will scan the microchip to read its unique ID code. This is the number used to identify the pet and retrieve your contact information, which is used to contact you and reunite you with your pet. Also, if you ever need to travel internationally, a microchip is required for health certificates if performed prior to the Rabies vaccine. Due to the fact that it is injected under the skin, it is a permanent device, therefore, it cannot fall off or become impossible to read, like a collar or tag.
Microchipping is a simple procedure where a veterinarian simply injects the microchip under the skin. The microchip comes preloaded in a sterile applicator and is injected under the loose skin between the shoulder blades. This process is similar to an injection (such as vaccines or injectable medications) and takes only a few seconds. No anesthetic is required.
Once the veterinarian inserts the microchip, it is double and triple checked with a scanner to make sure it is implanted properly. The scanner emits a low radio frequency that provides the power necessary to transmit the identification number. The microchip itself has no internal energy source, so it will last for a lifetime. Your information is then enrolled online, such as name, address, phone number, email address, etc. This now links you to the identification number of your pet. You will later receive an email from the microchip company to create a login and password. This information is for you to make any corrections due to a move or getting a new phone number.
There are additional benefits associated with a microchip. You may pay a small fee to get the premium membership. This will include things such as the company making flyers to hang around town or pay for your pet to travel back to you. You may have access to Lost Pet Specialists who are trained to send out Lost Pet Alerts and guide you through the process of searching for your pet. Members may also have access to a 24-hour hotline for medical advice. Some microchips can be linked to certain products as well. Microchip pet feeders will only open for the right pet, keeping other animals or even children away from your pet’s food. Some microchips can also access pet doors, stopping unwanted animals from coming into your home.
This tiny but sturdy little implant can reunite you with a lost pet, serve as proof of ownership in a dispute, or even mean the difference between euthanasia and medical care in an emergency. It truly is a great idea since it is inexpensive, easy, and lasts a lifetime.
Information from: https://www.homeagain.com/
Photo 1 taken from surepetcare.com
Composed by: Lindsey G.