Ask any veterinarian, and they’ll tell you the same thing: keeping your pet properly identified throughout their lifetime is one of the best things you’ll ever do for your animal companion’s well-being. Microchips are one of the best ways to do just that. Learn more below from your Crown Point, IN vet.
What is a Microchip, Anyway?
A microchip is a tiny computer chip housed inside of a glass capsule. The whole unit is about the size of a grain of rice. The microchip is inserted under your pet’s skin, where it remains in place indefinitely.
Each microchip has a number implanted on it electronically. This number corresponds to the chip manufacturer’s database, in which your pet’s contact information is stored. If a lost pet is returned to an animal shelter or vet’s office, special scanners there can read the number and thereby get the pet returned to the rightful owner.
What Are The Benefits of Microchips?
First of all, microchips can’t be removed by your pet, the way they might be able to chew or rip off a collar with ID tags. In this way, your pet is constantly identified no matter what!
Secondly, microchips are very easy to update. Should you have a change of home address or get a new telephone number, you don’t have to go through the hassle of having new ID tags made. Simply contact the microchip manufacturer via telephone or email, tell them the new information, and your pet’s contact information will be updated instantly.
Can I Track My Pet’s Movements?
No. Microchips are not GPS devices; you cannot track a pet who is wearing a microchip in real time. This technology is available via other devices, but it isn’t included in pet microchips at this time.
How Does the Microchipping Procedure Work?
The microchip capsule is inserted under a pet’s skin—most commonly between the shoulder blades—using a specialized syringe. All your pet will feel is a slight pinch at the insertion site, and the whole process will be over in a matter of moments. It’s virtually the same as any regular vaccination!
How Do I Get Started?
Your Crown Point, IN animal hospital performs the microchipping procedure in-house. If you would like to get your animal companion a microchip, or if you have any further questions about microchips and how they work, set up an appointment with your veterinarian today.
