What You Need to Know About Microchipping Your Pet

Have you ever heard someone talk about getting a microchip for their pet and wondered what they were talking about or why someone would want to get their pet micro chipped? Getting your pet micro chipped is a back up for having a collar and tags. If your pet should happen to get lost or stolen, it is all too easy for their collar and tags to get lost or removed. If your furry friend is picked up and taken to a shelter, do you think you would be able to identify him or her from the dozens of other strays that have been brought in? I can say that even though I know my dogs, especially Mason, and should be able to pick him out from the hundreds of other black Labs that might be at a shelter, there is no guarantee that I would be able to, especially if he was not wearing his collar. Coco would be a bit easier, but there is still no guarantee. When my mom and I brought Mason and Coco home, we had them both micro chipped as an extra safety precaution just in case they should ever get lost.

An excellent example of how microchips serve as back up is the story of the Goldstone family. Nine years ago they lost their beloved Boxer puppy, Boozer, after he escaped from their backyard in Tennessee as they were preparing to move. After searching for some time, the Goldstones had to face the reality their Boozer was gone…until they got a phone call nearly nine years later from an animal shelter in Golden, Colorado, almost 2,500 miles from their home in Alabama. Boozer had been living in a rescue center until he was adopted by a kind man who kept him for ten years until he was no longer able to care for him. Upon his arrival at the shelter, Boozer was scanned for a chip and the information revealed the Goldstones as his actual family. After almost ten years apart, Boozer and his family have been happily reunited thanks to a tiny chip Boozer had inserted when he was a small pup.

If you are thinking of getting your pet micro chipped, here are some things you should know:

What is a microchip and how does it work?

According to PetHealthNetwork.com, microchips are implantable computer chips which encode a unique identification number to help reunite you with your lost pet. When scanned, they receive a signal and send it back to the scanner with the chip identification number within a few seconds.

How big is the chip?

The chip is no bigger than a grain of rice.

Can I buy the chip myself and put it in?

While you can buy the chip(s) yourself, it is NOT recommended that you try and implant it yourself. The procedure has to be done by a veterinarian to ensure proper placement.

How expensive is it to have my pet micro chipped?

When we took Mason and Coco to be micro chipped, it was $50 per dog. Other veterinarians may charge a different price, so it is always good to call beforehand to verify.

How do I update my information?

When getting your furry friend micro chipped, the chip is registered to either PetLink or Home Again. You will log onto the site and create an account, registering the chip number, as well as your personal information (address, phone number, etc.) You can also include another contact such as a family member or friend or even your vet in case your pet would happen to get lost and you are unable to be contacted. It is always good to have back up contacts just in case.

Owning a pet can be stressful. Losing a pet can be even more stressful, if not completely devastating. Having your pet micro chipped is a good way to ensure their safety and provides pet owners with peace of mind knowing that if their pet should get lost or stolen and lose their tags, a quick scan of the microchip will provide current owner information and a happy reunion.

 Have you ever thought about getting your pet micro chipped? Have you or someone you know lost a pet and then were reunited thanks to micro chipping? Let us know in the comments below!