It only takes a moment for your pet to bolt out the door or break away from their leash, and many lost pets unfortunately never find their way home. Tags on collars often break or fall off. They can also be removed by someone who finds your pet if they wish to keep them. Microchipping is a way to ensure your pet can find their way home to you, with permanent identification always in place.

What Is a Microchip?

A microchip is a tiny device that is injected into your pet just below the skin. It’s only about as big as a grain of rice, but it stores important data, like your contact information! When your pet is lost and someone scans them with a microchip scanner, they can access your contact information and get your pet back to you.

Is Microchipping Safe?

Microchips are safe to stay in your pet throughout their lifetime. They are made from material that is compatible with an animal’s body, and complications from microchip implantation are rare. Over time, your pet's body will place scar tissue around the microchip, which means it should not move from it's original location.

What to Expect at a Microchipping Appointment

If you wish to have your pet microchipped, simply ask about it at your next appointment. The procedure is simple. We inject the microchip using a sterile needle under your pet’s skin between the shoulder blades. The procedure is quick and causes minimal discomfort, just like a vaccination.

Once your pet is microchipped, you will receive paperwork that details how to register the microchip. Registering is VERY important, because that is how your information is linked to the microchip. If you don’t register the microchip, it becomes worthless. You will also need to keep the registration information so that you can make future changes, like if you move or get a new phone number. Up-to-date information is critical to be sure you protect your pet.

What Happens if Your Pet Gets Lost?

If your pet is lost, the people who find it can take it to a local veterinarian or shelter to be scanned. If your microchip information is up-to-date, the scanner will relay your contact information and a staff member will call you. You are then able to collect your loved one and bring them back home!