Pet Microchipping
Microchipping is a safe, effective way of identifying your pet. Read below for more information!
HELP YOUR PET GET BACK HOME TO YOU
There are few things more frightening to a pet parent than when your pet escapes from the backyard without your knowing it. Not only do you worry for their safety, you worry that they may never return home to you. Fortunately, microchipping is an effective solution that can increase the likelihood of being reunited with your pet when they run off or get lost. At Countryside Animal Hospital, we proudly offer this service for both dogs and cats to help pets find their way back home.
TOP BENEFITS OF MICROCHIPPING YOUR PET
- Increases the chances of reuniting with your pet should you become separated.
- Can protect your pet from being stolen.
- Can help you reunite with your pet after a natural disaster.
- A sound investment in your pet’s health, safety, and well-being.
- Microchipping is an affordable, painless procedure that provides benefits that can last a lifetime.
- Gives pet parents peace of mind.
Some pet owners don’t realize how important microchipping is until it is too late. By implanting a microchip in your pet, you can significantly increase your chances of finding them in the event that they are lost.
WHAT IS MICROCHIPPING?
Microchipping is the process of injecting a tiny computer chip into your pet’s skin between their shoulder blades. This computer chip is roughly the size of a single grain of rice and contains identifying information about your pet. Should your pet get lost and is turned in to a shelter or vet hospital, your pet can be scanned. If the database is correct, you will be notified and reunited with your furry loved one.
DOES MICROCHIPPING HURT MY PET?
Not at all. The process of implanting a microchip takes seconds and causes no discomfort. Your vet uses a small hypodermic needle to inject the microchip under the skin between your pet’s shoulder blades. No anesthesia is necessary, though pet owners will often ask for their pets to be microchipped while they are already under for another procedure, such as a spay or neutering.
WHY SHOULD I MICROCHIP MY PET WHEN THEY ALREADY HAVE AN ID ON THEIR COLLAR?
While you should still have your pet wear a collar with an ID tag on it, it’s important to supplement this with a microchip. An ID tag will help someone who finds your pet to contact you immediately, and you must use an ID tag to display your pet’s license and rabies tags. That being said, collars often break or are removed by pets, making it impossible for someone to identify them. If this is the case, someone can bring your furry friend to an animal hospital or shelter and reconnect you this way. It’s best to both microchip your pet and have them wear a collar with ID tags.
WHAT IF MY CAT IS AN INDOOR CAT?
Even if your cat never goes outside, it’s important to microchip them to be safe, especially if you don’t put a collar on them. Cats are notoriously sneaky, often darting out of ajar doors or pushing their way through loose window screens. There is always a chance your cat can escape, so it’s best to microchip them.
HOW EFFECTIVE IS MICROCHIPPING AT FINDING LOST PETS?
Microchipping significantly increases your chances of finding your lost pet. One study from the American Veterinary Medical Association found that while lost dogs without a microchip were returned to their owners 21.9% of the time, dogs with microchips were returned 52.2% of the time. Cats without microchips were only returned a mere 1.8% of the time, while cats with microchips found their way home 38.5% of the time. Clearly, microchips can make a huge difference.
DO MICROCHIPS EVER NEED TO BE REPLACED?
Microchips last forever and never need to be replaced. That being said, you will need to update your pet’s identification information to ensure the most recent and accurate data is attached to their microchip. You will want to update this information when:
- You move to a new address
- You change your phone number
- You move out-of-state
- There’s a change in pet ownership
- Any other change to essential information that can help your pet come home
SCHEDULE A MICROCHIPPING APPOINTMENT
If you’re ready for your pet to be microchipped, bring them to our vet clinic in Fort Collins. Contact Countryside Animal Hospital today to get started!
Pet Safety Tips to Prevent Lost Pets
Follow these handy tips to keep your pets safe and reduce the risk of them getting lost or stolen.
Connect with your Fort Collins veterinarian to learn more about microchipping.
Veterinary Services
Below are all of the veterinary services we offer at Countryside Animal Hospital. If you have any questions regarding our services, please feel free to call us.