It’s undoubtedly a pet owner’s worst nightmare: Their beloved pet running away or somehow becoming lost.
Sometimes, despite initiating a search for their loved one, families may never recover their lost pet. Chances for recovering a lost pet have greatly increased for those pets who have been microchipped. Some rescues and shelters even microchip dogs, cats, and other pets prior to allowing them to officially be adopted.
Let’s take a look at microchipping and its benefits for you and your pets.
What is microchipping?
A microchip, a small chip roughly the size of a lone grain of rice, contains a number unique to your pet. The microchip is inserted under your pet’s skin, generally between his shoulders, with a needle. If your pet becomes lost, he can be scanned for a microchip that will identify him to the veterinarian or animal shelter. You can then be contacted so you will be reunited with your pet.
Is microchipping the same as GPS?
Unfortunately, a microchip is not the same as GPS and it cannot and does not track your pet. However, it does contain a number, identifying your pet, that makes it easy for vets and animal shelters, who scan the chip, to find out your pet’s identify and to reunite you with him.
What type of pet can be microchipped?
Microchips aren’t just for dogs and cats. In fact, ferrets, rabbits, and many other pets can be microchipped. The process is quick and often only as painful as a typical shot.
Are there any risks to microchipping?
As with any medical procedure, there are risks, although experts assert they are very rare. On rare occasions, a pet has developed cancerous tumors at the site of the microchip. Experts recommend pet owners weigh the rare risk of complication versus the risk of your pet becoming lost or stolen.
Where do I get my pet microchipped?
Many animal shelters microchip pets prior to them being adopted. You can also contact your veterinarian and make an appointment to have your pet microchipped.
Benefits Of Microchipping
The biggest benefit of microchipping your pet is, of course, increasing the chances of recovering him if he is lost or stolen. Many animal shelters and veterinarians have the scanner necessary to scan microchips.
Microchipping your pet is also inexpensive, quick, and only as painful as a typical shot.
National Chipping Month
September marks the second annual National Chipping Month in Ireland, making it easier than ever to get your dog or other pet microchipped. National Chipping Month is designed to create an awareness of the importance of microchipping your pets and the extreme importance of periodically checking to make sure the contact information, contained on your pet’s chip, is current.
In fact, many veterinarians across Ireland are participating in National Chipping Month’s free microchipping program. Microchips are universally recognized around the world.
However, because the free microchipping is being offered on a limited basis, pet owners will be served on a first come/first serve basis. Be sure to find and contact a participating vet as soon as possible.
To find a participating vet in your county, go to https://www.ncm.ie/participants
Is your dog, cat, ferret, rabbit, or other pet microchipped? Why or why not? Let us know!
