Animals

Microchipping

Microchipping

Nearly one in three pets become lost at some point in their lives. Microchip implants are an incredibly simple, inexpensive, and effective way to find lost pets, as they keep pets out of animal shelters and get them back to their owners quickly and safely. Nearly 8 million animals enter U.S. shelters every year, but microchipping can help decrease this number. These tiny chips are permanent identification that cannot be removed or damaged.

Microchips are contained in small biocompatible capsules smaller than grains of rice, and they are non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and completely safe. Placing the chip requires a quick, easy, and virtually pain-free procedure, and a special biopolymer keeps the device in place. These microchips are rated for 25 years, meaning they never have to be removed, changed, or recharged during your pets’ lifetimes.

When your pet is first microchipped, make sure you register your pet with PetLink. The microchipping process is not complete until you register your pet with your name and contact information. If you ever move or your contact information changes, make sure you update your pet’s registration on PetLink.

The transponder passively transmits radio waves, which include an animal-specific tracking number. When this number connects to the central database, it displays the pet’s name and owner’s contact information. If your pet ever runs away or becomes lost, authorities can scan the chip to locate your contact information and return your pet to you.

At East Padden Animal Hospital, we believe microchipping is the safest, most effective method of pet recovery available, as it helps reunite more than 15,000 lost pets to their owners every single month. To learn more about the benefits of pet microchips or to schedule an appointment, please contact East Padden Animal Hospital.