Back to Basics: Microchips

Are you new to pet ownership? Getting your animal companion a microchip is a great idea! Microchips are perhaps the best way to provide your pet with a lifetime of safe, secure identification. Here, your Tipp City, OH veterinary professional goes over the basics.

A microchip is a very small computer chip on which an identification number is implanted electronically. This number is your pet’s unique ID; it corresponds to the chip manufacturer’s database, where your contact information is stored.

The microchip itself is placed in a small glass capsule and inserted under your pet’s skin. When a lost pet is returned to an animal shelter or vet’s office, scanning devices there can read the chip’s number. In this fashion, a lost pet can quickly and easily be returned to the rightful owner.

Microchips are more secure than ID tags—your pet can’t remove it, which means you have peace of mind knowing that even if an escape occurs, your pet remains identified. The majority of pet owners even use ID tags and microchips in tandem for maximum effectiveness.

Another advantage of getting your pet a microchip is that you don’t have to buy a new one every time you get a new phone number or change addresses. All you have to do is update your contact information with the chip manufacturer; your pet keeps the same microchip the whole time!

No, microchips do not allow pet owners to track their animal friends’ movements in real time. This would require GPS technology to accomplish, and it’s not currently included in pet microchips. There are other devices out there on the market, however, that serve this purpose!

The microchipping procedure is quick and painless. The capsule is inserted under your pet’s first few layers of skin using a specialized syringe. All your pet feels is a momentary pinching sensation before the whole thing is over; it only takes a few short moments! Ask your veterinarian for more details on the microchipping procedure.

Do you have further questions about microchips and pet identification? Are you ready to outfit your animal companion with a microchip? Set up an appointment to see your Tipp City, OH veterinarian. We’re here to help with all of your pet-care needs!