Three Reasons to Always Microchip Your Pets

Lost cat

3 Reasons to Microchip Your Pet

Have you been thinking about microchipping your dog or cat, but aren't sure if it's really necessary? Implanting a tiny identification chip under your pet's skin offers several important benefits.

You're Much More Likely to Be Reunited with Your Lost Pet

If you're lucky, your lost pet will find its way home eventually. Unfortunately, that's not always the case, as researchers at The Ohio University College of Veterinary Medicine discovered. They followed more than 7,000 stray pets in 53 shelters to determine how microchipping affects the odds that a pet will be reunited with its owner.

According to their study, microchipped dogs were returned to their owners 52.2% of the time, while unmicrochipped dogs were reunited with their families just 21.9% of the time. Microchipped cats were returned to their owners 38.5% of the time, versus 1.8% for cats without microchips.

Microchipping a pet only takes a few seconds and isn't painful. Your veterinarian uses a needle to inject the rice-sized microchip under your pet's skin around the shoulder blades. The chip contains a code that corresponds to a link with your current address. After your dog or cat is microchipped, you'll submit your name and address to the microchip registry. Enrollment can be done by mailing the form to the company or by completing an online form.

Once your pet is microchipped, you'll need to remember to update your address in the microchip company registry if you move. The researchers noted that incorrect information was a key reason that microchipped pets weren't reunited with their families.

Microchipping Is the Ideal Identification Method for Pets

Would anyone know your pet belonged to you if its ID tag fell off or your furry friend managed to slip its collar? Microchips stay secure under your pet's skin and provide a permanent way to identify your cat or dog.

Both veterinary offices and animal shelters scan lost pets for microchips. If someone takes your pet to one of these facilities, chances are good that you'll receive a call informing you that your pet has been found. Thanks to the introduction of universal scanners, it's easy to identify a pet no matter what type of chip is used. It's still important to put an ID tag on your pet's collar, even if it has a microchip. If a neighbor happens to find your pet, a tag makes it easy to determine where a lost pet lives.

Microchipping also prevents mix-ups that can occur if several pets at an animal shelter look the same. The chip provides evidence that your pet is undeniably yours.

Microchipping Reduces the Burden on Animal Shelters

More than 6 million dogs and cats are surrendered to animal shelters every year, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Shelters only have space for a limited number of animals and often operate on very lean budgets.

Providing food, water, shelter, and veterinary care for pets can be very costly. Microchipped pets can be quickly returned to their families, ensuring that the shelter has more room to care for lost or unwanted pets.

Microchipping is safe, simple, and provides peace of mind should your pet ever become lost. Are you ready to microchip your pet? Contact our office to schedule an appointment.

Sources:

The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine: The Microchip World: Recent Advances and Options for Shelters and Veterinarians

American Veterinary Medical Association: Microchipping FAQ

American Humane: Every Day is Tag Day – Is Your Pet Protected?, 4/1/2019

The Humane Society of the United States: High Tech: Identifying Lost Pets with Microchips

ASPCA: Pet Statistics

Your First Visit is FREE

Sign up now

Office Hours

Monday:

7:30am

5:30pm

Tuesday:

7:30am

5:30pm

Wednesday:

7:30am

7:00pm

Thursday:

7:30am

5:30pm

Friday:

7:30am

5:30pm

Saturday:

7:30am

12:00pm

Sunday:

Closed

Closed

Location

Find us on the map

Testimonial

  • "The absolute best in the QC. Have always taken great care of our puppies and dogs throughout the years. Feels like family and always a warm welcome. Treat your pets with the best care like they are their own."
    VeronicaV.
  • "Very caring people. I live in Clinton and it is worth the drive to them. I have been there a handful of times and the customer service has been above and beyond. Nothing but great things to say about every experience!"
    Chandra H
  • "A huge thank you to Colene for always making Lola’s visits relaxing 💜 Lola did great with Dr. Knutson. I’m happy that I’ve finally found a place that truly cares about the well being of my fur-baby 🐶 Their whole staff is welcoming and I never have to worry about Lola’s appointments."
    Amber K
  • "Every single person at Scott County Animal Hospital, whether it is one of the doctors, one of the techs or groomer or a front desk worker...EVERYONE treats us like family every time we have a contact with them."
    Debi E.
  • "SCAH has some of the most caring, compassionate and professional staff anywhere! They have treated our puppy dogs for the past 31 years and have treated each one with such kindness, knowledge and special care that we can't imagine going anywhere else. We have had some special issues with a few of our dogs and I feel like they not only did their utmost to give the best care, but also make sure that we as pet owners are part of the process. And when sadly, one of our fur babies has passed, they have given us such kindness and understanding that it makes a hard time much easier. Bless you all for your wonderful care to us and our doggies."
    Nancy N.
  • "Excellent caring staff. If I could give them a trillion stars I would. Your fur babies are in the best hands. The most caring compassionate staff you will ever meet!"
    Lori H
  • "i wish all the vets offices would do this!I think it is wonderful to advertise all our fur babies and how they are doing!"
    Penny G.

Featured Articles

Read about interesting topics