When you get a pet, it is important to consider the safety and security. Even when pet-proofing your home, accidents can sometimes happen, and your pet may find itself outside without any identification. Microchipping is a good way to make your pet identifiable at all times. Here are a few basic pieces of information about microchips.
What is it?
A microchip is no bigger than a single grain of rice and a small implant placed under the animal’s skin. A microchip uses passive radio-frequency identification technology, which means it is activated when it is scanned. The microchip is given a number, which will show up each time the pet is scanned. The vet can use this information to find the owner of the animal. Commonly, dogs and cats and microchipped, as well as other animals such as cattle and birds.
Why?
There are different reasons for microchipping animals, including identification, tracking growth rates and movement patterns, and confirming animals’ identities that have been illegally removed from the wild. It is a good idea to get your pet microchipped in terms of domestic pets, and this can be done with easyvet. Microchips are the most permanent and secure way of identifying your pet, as the chips are made to last for the entirety of your pet’s life and do not generally have to be changed. In some places, you will be fined if your dog is not microchipped.
There are many benefits to microchipping your pet. These include peace of mind, as you know, there is always a way to identify your pet as belonging to you, where ever it is. It can also help stop your lost pet from accidentally becoming adopted by someone else, as the microchip can prove that you are already the owner. It is also permanent and secure, as the collar and tags can fall off or get damaged. However, even if your pet is microchipped, having a collar and tag is also important as it allows for immediate identification.
How?
The procedure is very quick and does not require surgery or general anesthesia. It may feel uncomfortable for your pet for a short period, but it is similar to the sensations they would experience when having their vaccinations. The chip is inserted through an injection under the skin, between the shoulder blades, and is scanned each time your pet visits the vet.
Getting your pet properly microchipped is very important, as it means that it will always be identifiable as belonging to you. Microchipping is a quick, low pain, and low-cost procedure that your vet can perform for you and could save you money and stress in the future if your pet did get lost. Other ways to keep your pet safe include using a collar and tag, making sure doors and windows are closed, using responsible sitters and dog walkers, and pet-proofing your home and garden. Your vet will give you plenty of information and advice on how to do this effectively.