Microchipping Your Pet

[bumplett]

I just thought I would post this tid-bit of info, in case anyone had been thinking about it - or better yet, for those that may not have known it was available!

"A tiny capsule, about the size of a grain of rice, is injected under the flap of skin on the back of the dog's neck. Veterinarians and shelters are provided with a scanner that reads the digital number on the chip inside the capsule. If your pet is picked up as a stray and he is microchipped, a quick phone call to the microchip company will have your information, and your pet will soon be home safe.

A microchip is completely permanent, it can not be cut off or altered. If your pet is stolen, or sold to a research facility he will be returned. Research facilities will NOT take any dog or animal that has either a tattoo or a microchip implanted. "

Common FAQs about Microchipping Your Pet -


Q. Will this hurt my pet?

A. Yes, it will hurt a little, no more than getting his annual vaccines.


Q. How easy is it for owners to change the information if they move?

A. A simple phone to the company that manufactures the chips will get the job done, and there is even an online form you can fill out on the Canadian site.


Q. Will the microchip stay in place?

A. There has been cases of it migrating, but it is not a very common occurrence. Most places run the scanners over the entire animal just in case.



Q.Where can I get my pet microchipped?



A.You can have this procedure done at any veterinarian's office, some humane societies will do it, and even some breeders will have it done before you receive your new puppy.


Q. How will the person who finds my dog know that he has a microchip?

A. Your dog will have a collar tag with the 1-800 number to call on it.


Q. What kind of information will my dog's microchip have access to?

A. Whatever you choose to fill out on the initial form. Most times this is your dog's name, your name and phone number, address, and an emergency contact.

[Neeley]

I was actually thinking of sending you a PM today to ask about this. I have been concidering it for my babies. Thanks for the post.

[wanderlusting]

I've had 5 pets microchipped so far. I highly recommend it. I know that if one of my kitties looses their collars and gets lost somewhere-they can still be returned to me.

[bumplett]

I know it may not seem the most 'frugal' thing to do - but collars get lost - and while microchipping is not an absolute guarentee that your pet will be found & returned, it's far more likely -

so, in my opinion - it's worth it -

you can also call around for the best prices - call humane societies & local animal shelters - they may offer service at a lower cost.

here, our shelter will implant a microchip (no appt needed) for $15.00 - yet the vets in the area charge $40 - $50. It's the SAME chip, and it's not rocket science -

depending on where you have it done/ what their policy is - there may also be a fee to register your own info. At our local shelter, we gave up on people actually registering the info, so the price increased from $10 to $15 & we register the info FOR them

be sure to give ALL of the emerg phone numbers you can - even family/friends - as long as it's someone that can find YOU -

[wanderinggrandma]

Thanks for a good pet owner tip Bumplet. One more "tip" from the wife of a animal control officer (25 yrs--he has seen it all) License Your Pets!!!! Keep their collar on at all times. Many, many pets have been returned to their owners, even if the license was long expired and from across the country.

[Sari]

Great tip! We have all 10(!) of ours microchipped.