May is National Chip Your Pet Month, and this subject is one that still gets debated every now and then. It’s not a legal requirement, and some see the procedure as invasive and intrusive. I wish to dispel that myth. A microchip is about the size of a small grain of rice and is inserted underneath the skin and usually between the shoulder blades. It contains important information about your pet. It does NOT have GPS tracking capabilities. Here are five reasons to consider having your dog chipped this coming month.
- The microchip acts as identification for your dog. It’s that simple. Information on the microchip provides dog and owner information. In the United States, it is voluntary to microchip your pet. In the UK, it is a legal requirement.
- The microchip works even if your dog has lost in collar and tag. When I was a kid, all the dog’s information was on little engraved tags attached to the collar. Lose the collar and you lost the information. A dog can lose a collar through wear; it can get caught on something and pull off; it can be removed by someone. Yes, sadly, dogs do get stolen every now and then. The microchip remains even when the collar and tags are long gone.
- Microchips can prevent your dog from being re-homed. It does happen… dogs get loose and dogs get lost. Reunions don’t always happen when the dog finds its way home after weeks of separation. Most times dogs just keep going until someone else finds them. After seven days in a shelter, your dog can be re-homed. A microchip prevents this. A microchip will ensure you get that phone call from the shelter.
- The procedure is fast and completed with a needle. Your dog is not restrained or pinned down – in other words, it is not a traumatic experience. Anesthetic is not used, and most dog owners say their dog was unaware of the procedure. Even though the procedure takes seconds, a microchip has a life of over twenty years. It will be with your dog for its lifetime and will always ensure critical information can be found.
- Here’s a big reason – your dog, at some point, may go on daily medication which is paramount to the dog’s continued good health. The American Veterinary Medical Association states that some chip registration databases allow one to store important medical information that can be checked by a vet. I suggest you look for those databases when chipping your pet.
If you want to discuss this topic more, come on in and speak to one of our pet specialists, or reach out to me. I am only a bark away.
– Carolyn
Carolyn’s Corner
Carolyn Lapps is General Manager at Fetch Family Pet Resort. Her love and passion for all animals began at a young age and has led to a career. She is frequently consulted on pet socialization, family integration issues, and is highly regarded for her experience with domestic animal management and care.