Microchipping 101: Everything You Need to Know

Microchipping 101: Everything You Need to Know

July 15, 2019

Pets are more than just animals that live with you. These furry companions are members of the family. That is why it is so devastating when a pet goes missing. Fortunately, pet microchips can help reunite families. Petfinder research indicates that:

  • 22 percent of lost dogs without microchips are found, as opposed to 52 percent of microchipped dogs who make it back home, and
  • 2 percent of cats without microchips return to their families, versus 38 percent of cats with microchips.

Before you get a microchip for your pet, you probably have questions. Everything you need to know about microchipping in Saint Francisville, LA is right here.

The Basics

A microchip is a small implant injected into your pet that contains pertinent information, such as how to contact you. Implanted between the shoulder blades using a syringe, a microchip is slightly longer than a grain of rice. Since implanting a microchip is similar to your pet receiving a vaccination, the animal does not need to be anesthetized. Once implanted, a microchip continues working for up to 25 years, covering the entire lifespan of your pet.

How Microchips Work

Unfortunately, a microchip is not a LoJack for your pets. If your dog or cat gets out, a microchip does not have a GPS system so you can track him or her down. Maybe one day pet microchips will have that technology built in, but currently, that’s not how it works.

A microchip has a unique identification number. If your lost pet in Saint Francisville, LA makes it to a shelter, rescue or veterinary clinic, staff will scan the animal to ascertain the microchip number. Using a registry system, the microchip number is then looked up to find the pet’s owner’s contact information. You’ll be notified that your pet has been found, and you can bring him or her home.

However, this simple device is far less effective if you don’t maintain up-to-date contact details on your pet’s microchip numbers. If you move or your phone or email address changes, remember to update those details in case your dog or cat goes missing.

Is Microchipping in Saint Francisville, LA Worth It?

The American Humane Society estimates that 10 million dogs and cats go missing every year. That means one-third of pets get lost. Despite your best efforts to provide a safe and secure home environment, things happen and before you know it, Fido or Fluffy has escaped through a broken window or improperly closed door.

Fortunately, most pets adopted from shelters and rescues are already microchipped. If you adopted your pet privately or found a stray on the side of the road, it’s likely that animal does not have a microchip. Don’t lose your relationship with your favorite four-legged friend early by neglecting to microchip your pet. It’s more than worth the small fee to have the microchip implanted.

St. Francisville Animal Hospital offers microchipping in Saint Francisville, LA to provide pet owners with a small assurance that their pets will be recovered if they are ever lost. Contact us today to schedule an appointment to have your pet microchipped.

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