Today, August 15th, is Check The Chip Day. This is a very important holiday for pet parents! If your furry pal hasn’t been microchipped yet, we strongly recommend that you get this done ASAP. That tiny device may one day save your beloved pet’s life! Read on as a local Salem, VA vet discusses microchips.
Lost Pets: A Sobering Statistic
Did you know that as many as one in three pets will get lost at some point in their lives? We know, no one likes to think of this happening. But, unfortunately, millions of pets end up in shelters every year. Since most shelters do check for microchips, pets that have microchips are much more likely to be reunited with worried owners than those without microchips.
Microchip Basics
A microchip doesn’t actually transmit any information. In fact, the chip only contains a unique ID number. This number is attached to your file in the chipmaker’s database. It can be read with special scanners used by animal shelters and veterinarians. As long as your information is correct, the chip will form a permanent, unbreakable link between you and your furry companion. To learn more about the process and benefits of microchipping, read our article on Microchipping Your Pet.
The Procedure
Getting your little (or not so little) buddy microchipped will only take a few moments. This simple procedure can be scheduled alone, or worked into another veterinary appointment. Your vet will use a hypodermic needle to inject the chip under your pet’s skin. (It’s usually placed between the shoulder blades.) Complications are extremely rare. As for recovery time, we recommend some snuggles and perhaps a special treat.
Records Maintenance
Once your four-legged pal has been equipped with a microchip, you’ll need to make sure that your information is correct in the chip manufacturer’s database. This is very important! If your records are missing or incomplete, the chip will be useless. Remember to update this information whenever you move or change your contact information.
Checking The Chip
Is your furry friend is already chipped? If so, that’s great! Try using the AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup tool, which is located here, to check your information.
Maintenance
Microchips don’t need any maintenance. However, we do recommend having your vet check the chip during your pet’s regular appointments. This is just to ensure it hasn’t malfunctioned or slipped.
Our Tips for Check the Chip Day in 2024
At what age is it safe and recommended to microchip a pet?
It is safe and recommended to microchip pets as early as 8 to 10 weeks of age. At this stage, the procedure is both safe and effective for kittens and puppies, as the microchip can be administered during a routine veterinary visit, such as when receiving initial vaccinations. Early microchipping ensures that if a young pet gets lost, there is an immediate means of identification available to help reunite them with their owners. Always consult with a veterinarian to ensure that a pet is in appropriate health for the procedure.
Are there any breeds or species of pets that cannot be microchipped?
All common breeds and species of pets, including dogs, cats, horses, and even exotic animals like reptiles and birds, can be safely microchipped. The procedure involves implanting a small chip, about the size of a grain of rice, under the skin, which is universally compatible across species. There are no specific breeds or types of pets for which microchipping is unsuitable. However, individual health conditions or the very small size of some pets might require veterinary assessment to ensure the procedure can be performed safely.
Can a microchip be removed if necessary?
A microchip can technically be removed if necessary, but the procedure is more complex and invasive than the implantation. Removal requires surgical intervention, usually under anesthesia, to extract the chip from under the pet’s skin. This is typically only done if the microchip has migrated from its original placement, is causing an adverse reaction, or if there is a medical justification. Generally, there is rarely a need to remove a microchip, as it is designed to be a permanent form of identification for the animal’s lifetime.
What information is typically stored in the microchip database?
The microchip database typically stores essential information to reunite lost pets with their owners. This includes the pet owner’s contact details such as name, address, phone number, and email. It also contains the pet’s information, including name, species, breed, color, and any identifying characteristics. Additionally, the database records the unique microchip ID number and may include details of the veterinarian who implanted the chip. It’s crucial for pet owners to keep this information up to date to ensure the effectiveness of the microchip in case their pet gets lost.
Are there any alternatives to microchipping for pet identification?
While microchipping is the most reliable method for pet identification, alternatives do exist. Collars with ID tags are a common option, displaying the owner’s contact information and the pet’s name. Some owners also use GPS-enabled collars or tags, allowing real-time location tracking. However, these alternatives have limitations; collars can break or be removed, and GPS devices require regular battery charging. Unlike microchips, these methods do not provide permanent identification. For the most secure identification, combining a microchip with an ID tag is recommended.
Please contact us, your Salem, VA pet clinic, for all your pet’s veterinary care needs. We’re happy to help!
