Benefits of Microchipping Your Pet - Academy Animal Hospital

Missing No More: How a Microchip Can Reunite You and Your Pet

August 15 was Check the Chip Day for pets with microchips. Each year, Academy Veterinary Hospital encourages pet owners to stop by so we can quickly scan their pet’s microchip to ensure it hasn’t migrated and is still working, and also remind them to update their contact information with the microchip registration company. After all, what good is a microchip if your outdated phone number is listed?

Benefits of microchipping your pet

A microchip is the only permanent identification form that can reunite you with your beloved pet. Unlike collars and ID tags, which can break, or become worn and illegible, a microchip will last for the life of your pet. In addition, a microchip does not share personal information with anyone who finds your furry pal. When scanned, a chip emits only a unique identification number, which is then used for identifying your pet with the microchip company. Rather than giving the Good Samaritan your contact info, the microchip company notifies you personally that your missing pet has been found. 

Other key benefits of microchipping include:

• It’s quick and easy — Microchip insertion is quick and easy—most pets don’t notice it any more than a vaccination.
• Sedation is not necessary — There is no need for sedation or general anesthesia for microchip insertion; however, we can microchip your pet during a surgical procedure to ensure the process is entirely pain-free.
• It’s really small — A microchip is tiny—about the size of a grain of rice. It won’t bother you or your pet, but it could provide the only link for a happy reunion.  
• It can be smart — Microchip smart products can help your pet stick to their diet and prevent stray animals from coming in through your doggie door. 

Have you microchipped your pet? If not, call us to schedule a quick microchipping appointment for your furry pal.

For frequently asked questions about the microchipping of animals, check out this article at the American Veterinary Medical Association.