As pet owners, we all want to do everything we can to protect our furry friends from harm. One of the best ways to do that is by microchipping them. But how effective is microchipping when it comes to reuniting lost pets with their owners? The answer is, incredibly effective!
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, pets with microchips are more than twice as likely to be reunited with their owners compared to those without. In fact, one study showed that dogs with microchips were returned to their owners 52.2% of the time, compared to just 21.9% of dogs without microchips. Similarly, cats with microchips were returned to their owners 38.5% of the time, compared to just 1.8% of cats without microchips.
These statistics speak for themselves - microchipping your pet is an incredibly effective way to ensure they can be quickly and easily reunited with you if they ever become lost.
Just as importantly, though, is microchipping affordable and safe for your pet? Read on to find out.
What is a Microchip and How Much Does it Cost?
A pet microchip is a small, electronic device that is implanted under your pet's skin, typically between their shoulder blades. This tiny chip contains a unique identification number that can be read by a microchip scanner. The microchip is about the size of a grain of rice, and is designed to last for the lifetime of your pet. It is not a GPS device and doesn't emit any signals. It can only be scanned in person with a microchip scanner, and tells the person scanning if the chip is registered to anyone.
On average, microchipping can cost the pet owner $30 to $50. This price includes the chip, implantation, and microchip registration. There is no annual fee for microchips. In case you move or have a change of phone number, you will have the ability to easily update your information in your pets chip on your own at no cost.
How Do Microchips Work?
If your pet is lost and ends up at a veterinary clinic or animal shelter, they will typically be scanned for a microchip. The scanner emits a low radio frequency that activates the microchip, allowing the identification number to be read. Once the number is obtained, the clinic or shelter will then check a database to see if the microchip is registered and linked to a pet owner. If the microchip is registered, the owner can be contacted and reunited with their pet.
Because a microchip is only as good as its registration, it’s essential that you keep your chip registration up to date if you move or change your contact information. You might consider updating your pet’s microchip information a higher priority than completing a change of address form if it means you are far more likely to be reunited!
Will a Microchip Hurt My Pet?
The process of implanting a microchip is similar to getting a routine shot or vaccine. It involves a quick injection under the skin in between their shoulder blades, or scruff. The scruff of an animal, which is the loose skin around the neck and shoulders, tends to be less sensitive than other parts of the body. This is because the skin in this area is naturally looser, and has less muscle and nerve endings. Some pets experience minor pain or discomfort during the procedure, but this is typically very mild and short-lived.
The microchip is very small and lightweight, and once it's implanted under your pet's skin, your pet should not be able to feel it. Overall, the process of microchipping is safe, quick, and generally painless, and the benefits of having a microchip far outweigh any potential discomfort.
When Should I Microchip My Pet?
As soon as possible! Microchipping your pet is one of the best things you can do to protect them and increase the chances of them being reunited with you if they become lost. Not only is it incredibly effective, but it's also a simple and generally painless procedure that takes just a few minutes to complete. With the peace of mind that comes from knowing your pet has a permanent form of identification, you can rest easy knowing that they're always just a scan away from being safely returned to you. So don't wait any longer - make an appointment to microchip your pet today and give them the gift of lifelong security and protection!
If you are in the Las Vegas area, you can make an appointment to microchip your pet at our affordable Wellness Clinic. Follow this link to make an appointment online, or give us a call at 702-371-8764.
Thank you for all you do for our animals!