Benefits of Microchipping Your Pet

Learn about the microchipping procedure and the benefits of microchipping your pet.

Have you thought about what might be your pet’s worst fear? Well, because most pets are pack animals, one of a pet's greatest fears is being separated or lost from his or her pack. If you have ever experienced your pet missing, you know the sense of fear and worry that it causes; you also know the overwhelming joy you and your pet experience when you are reunited.

As pet owners we all take measure to guard our pets from getting lost. We make sure the yard is safely fenced, and that the cat or dog has a well-fitting, safe collar on nearly all the time — and from the collar may hang several tags proving your pet's city licensure or maybe a rabies vaccination. However, it is most likely you keep an identification tag on the collar that has your pet's name and your phone number on it so in the unfortunate instance your pet goes missing, the person who discovers him can reunite you easily and quickly. As Denise says, "Assuming their collar and tags are up to date, a phone call or two is all it takes to arrange a happy homecoming." But what if your pet gets out without his tag on, or what if you have not updated the ID information after a move?

The easiest way to make sure that your pet can be identified quickly and easily is with microchipping.

• A microchip is about the size of a grain of rice
• Your vet implants the chip just under the skin of your pet's neck
• It is quick and easy to implant, and can be as early as 8 weeks old
• No anesthesia or special treatment is required
• Once in place, it will always work
• You must keep registration information up-to-date when your address or phone number changes
• Microchipping costs about $75, however those with pet insurance can be reimbursed for up to 90% of the cost

In the unfortunate event your pet goes missing, a vet or pet care specialist (such as someone at your local humane society) will wave the reader over the general area a chip is implanted. A special identification number appears that is registered to you, giving the vet or specialist the basic information to contact you. Microchipping is also a great way to recover pets in the unlikely event they are stolen.

Microchipping is a very inexpensive way to ensure you and your best friend stay together, happy and safe, looking out for each other.