Our pets are more than just that; they’re our babies, best friends, and beloved family members. Naturally, we want to keep them safe and protected at all costs.
Unfortunately, even our best efforts won’t protect us from every “what if” scenario. Your spouse may have held the door open just a bit too long while tipping the Uber Eats delivery driver. Perhaps your dog found a loose section of fence and finally pushed through to freedom.
Even when we do our very best to guarantee our pets are safe and sound in the comfort of our homes, there’s always a possibility they pull a fast one and bolt.
That’s why microchipping is so important.
Microchipping is a simple and effective way to help ensure the safety and well-being of our furry pals. They can be crucial for guaranteeing the safe return of your lost pet and provide valuable information in the event of a medical emergency or theft.
In this article, we’re exploring what microchipping is, its benefits, the procedure itself, and why it’s an essential step for pet owners to take.
What Is a Microchip?
Many pet parents have heard the term used before, but what the heck is a microchip in the first place?
A microchip is a small (we’re talking the size of a grain of rice small) electronic device that is implanted under the pet’s skin, typically between the shoulder blades, using a needle. Once implanted, the chip remains in place for the pet’s lifetime and can be read by a scanner to reveal a unique identification number.
This number can be linked to a pet owner’s contact information in a database, so if a Good Samaritan finds your lost pet, they can find your information and arrange their safe return.
Microchips do not have a power source and do not require a battery to function. Instead, they use passive RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology, which means they are activated by a scanner that emits a radio signal. When the scanner reads the chip’s identification number, it displays it on the scanner’s screen.
That means if you decide to get your pet microchipped, it’s for life. No changing the batteries or plugging into a charger; they’re all set!
Benefits of Microchipping
There are many benefits associated with microchipping your pet:
- Reuniting lost pets with their owners: If a pet becomes lost and is found by someone else, a microchip will provide your information and enable a reunion quickly.
- Providing medical information: A microchip can provide crucial medical information about a pet, such as allergies or medical conditions, that can assist veterinarians in providing prompt and appropriate care.
- Identifying stolen pets: If a pet is stolen, a microchip can help identify the pet and its rightful owner, making it more difficult for the thief to keep, sell, or dispose of the pet.
- Providing peace of mind: Perhaps most importantly, the microchip provides peace of mind to pet parents so that, even if there is never an emergency, it’s there just in case. Like an umbrella, it’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
Unlike a collar, which can be removed, a microchip is there for life, making it a superior choice to protect your precious fur baby for the entirety of its life.
The Microchipping Procedure
While some pet owners may be anxious about the idea of their pet undergoing a procedure, rest assured that the process is safe and relatively painless.
First, the area where the microchip will be implanted is shaved and cleaned to prevent infection. Next, the microchip is inserted under the pet’s skin using a needle. While the needle is slightly larger than those used for vaccinations, most pets do not experience any more discomfort than they would during a routine immunization. Once the microchip is inserted, it remains in place for the pet’s lifetime.
After the microchip is implanted, the pet owner will need to register it with a database and provide their contact information. Doing so will ensure that if the pet becomes lost, the microchip can be scanned, and the pet can be quickly reunited with its owner.
The microchipping procedure is a quick and safe way to provide peace of mind and ensure the safety of our beloved pets. By taking this simple step, pet owners can increase the chances of a happy reunion if their pet becomes lost or separated from them.
Final Thoughts on Microchipping
Microchipping is a simple and effective way for pet owners to ensure the safety and well-being of their beloved pets. Given its many benefits, it’s essential to safeguard your precious pups, and kitty cats, to guarantee their health and well-being.
At Metro Mutts, we understand this wholeheartedly. That’s why we offer dog walking and cat sitting services in Washington, D.C. designed to meet the unique needs of your furry friends. You can rest assured that they are in the hands of experienced and caring professionals who are committed to their well-being.
Whether you need occasional walks or a daily routine, our team of dedicated walkers will work with you to create a customized plan that meets your pet’s individual needs.
Contact us today for more information.
