Check The Chip Day
August 15th is Check The Chip Day. Getting your pet microchipped is a very simple process, but it’s one of the best things you can do to protect your beloved animal companion. If your furry buddy has not been microchipped yet, we strongly urge you to get this done right away. A local Lakeville, MN vet discusses microchips in this article.
Why Microchip?
Did you know that as many as one in three pets will get lost at some point in their lives? If your furry friend ever slips out, a microchip will greatly increase the odds of your animal companion getting home again. While collars and ID tags are important, they can break or be cut off. Microchips, on the other hand, form a permanent, invisible bond between you and your four-legged friend. They also hold up in court, which can save the day if your pet is ever stolen.
The Procedure
For Fido and Fluffy, getting microchipped is very much like getting a shot. Your vet will inject the chip beneath your pet’s skin, just between the shoulder blades. This will only take a moment, and can be worked into any veterinary appointment. Complications are very rare. Recovery time generally consists of a forehead kiss, some cuddles, or an ear scritch.
Records
Getting the microchip is only the first part of the process. You’ll need to fill out some forms to ensure that the chipmaker has your contact information. The chip correlates to these records by way of a unique ID number, which is on the chip itself and can be read with special scanners. Make sure to update your records whenever you move or change your phone number or email address. The chip will be useless if your contact information is missing or incomplete!
Checking The Chip
We recommend having your vet check your furry pal’s chip during their regular appointments. Chips don’t require any maintenance, but it’s good to check and make sure it hasn’t slipped or malfunctioned. You can also check your pet’s records online at the AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup Tool, which you can find here. This site has the records for most of the major chipmakers.
Do you have questions about microchips? Please do not hesitate to contact us, your local Lakeville, MN veterinary clinic, for all of your pet’s veterinary care needs. We are here to help!
