Pet microchips are tiny, yet they serve an important role in reconnecting missing pets with their owners. Most veterinarians, shelters, and rescue organizations strongly urge microchipping, yet many pet owners still don't understand how microchips function or why pet microchip registration and upkeep are just as important as the chip itself.
Here is a clear breakdown.
What Is a Pet Microchip
A microchip scanner detects each chip by its unique number. The microchip for pets number is entered on a register along with information about the animal, so if the unthinkable occurs and your pet goes missing, local councils can scan their chip and obtain your contact information.
Once installed, a microchip for pets will remain in your pet for the rest of its life. Collars and ID tags are fantastic and should still be used, but if your pet escapes from their collar or their tag goes off, a microchip can still help them be identified. One of the most effective methods to prevent this is to keep your cat on your property. This means keeping them inside.
How Microchip Registration Works
A tiny microchip for pets is quickly and easily put under your pet's skin, or in the neck of horses. This gives your pet its own unique code. The microchip can be scanned and linked with the owner's contact information, which is stored in a national database such as PetLog.
While pet microchip registration is the most effective means to return your companion home, they only work if your information on the microchip database is up to date. If you move or change your phone number, you must update the microchip database with which you register pet microchip so that they have the most up-to-date contact information.
Benefits of Microchipping
Investing in a microchip for pets is a modest decision with a big impact, offering peace of mind and security for both you and your pet. Don't delay; speak with your AAHA-accredited veterinarian about microchipping.
Microchipping is a quick and simple procedure
Microchipping is a quick and relatively painless operation, akin to receiving a standard immunization. Microchipping can be performed during a routine veterinary visit and does not require anesthesia. Most pets feel little pain, and the procedure takes only a few seconds. Once implanted, the microchip for pets causes no ongoing pain or discomfort, allowing your pet to go about their everyday activities without interruption.
Microchipping provides your pet with lifelong protection
One advantage of microchipping is that it gives your pet lifelong protection. Once implanted, the chip will last your pet's entire life and requires no maintenance or replacement.
Microchipping helps deter pet theft
A microchipped pet is less appealing to criminals because the permanent identity form allows the pet to be traced back to its rightful owner, lowering the motivation for theft. If your pet is stolen, a microchip might be an important tool for lost pet recovery. Stolen pets are frequently sold or relocated far from their original homes, making it difficult to locate them.
If your pet is found and scanned, the microchip immediately identifies them, improving the chances of a quick and successful reunion. This additional security layer provides you with peace of mind by ensuring that your pet is always linked to you, even if they are abducted.
Common Mistakes
Many pet owners want the best for their pets and often have them microchipped. When done properly, this can ensure that your pet returns home safely if they ever escape. However, not everyone properly microchips their pet, which might render the microchips worthless and potentially hazardous to your cat. If you're thinking about utilizing a pet microchip to keep your pet safe, avoid these typical blunders to keep him or her happy and healthy.
Mistake 1: Skipping on A Microchip
The first and most obvious mistake that pet owners make when it comes to microchipping is not having their pets chipped at all. Every day, a large number of dogs, cats, and other animals disappear. Unfortunately, only a small number of those pets have been found. A microchip for pets increases the odds of discovering a missing pet and safely returning it to you and your family.
Mistake 2: Not Having It Implanted by A Veterinarian
Believe it or not, it is completely legal and possible for someone other than a veterinarian to implant a pet microchip. While it is not needed, having your microchip for pets implanted by a veterinarian, veterinary hospital, or other animal health service provider is strongly advised. This ensures the chip is placed safely and swiftly.
Mistake 3: Choosing the Wrong Microchip Brand
Not all pet microchips are made equally. While most can be picked up and read using a universal scanner, some microchips cannot be read by an ordinary scanner. This means that if your pet is located and sent to an emergency animal hospital or shelter, the chips may not be correctly scanned, and you will not be contacted. Ask your local animal hospital about the most popular microchip brands in your area; these brands are more likely to be useful if the need arises.
Mistake 4: Not Microchipping Cats
While many canines are regularly microchipped, fewer cats receive the same service. It's vital to realize that almost any mammal, including cats, can receive a microchip. Cats are owned by 38,900,000 homes, yet only a small percentage of them get claimed when they go missing for lack of identification. Keeping your cats microchipped, especially if they venture outside, can help ensure that they return home securely.
Mistake 5: Not Using Other Forms of Pet ID
Just because your pet is microchipped does not guarantee that they will be securely returned to you. Not all shelters or emergency animal hospitals have scanners, and not everyone who comes across an escaped pet is aware of pet microchip technology. Pet tags and collars can enable anyone who finds your pet to identify them, even if they are unaware of microchips.
Microchipping your pet can help ensure that they are safely returned to you if they become lost. If your pet requires a microchip, take them to your local veterinarian or emergency animal hospital today to get one placed. Avoid these common microchip blunders to keep your pet happy, healthy, and safe around you and your family.
Keeping Your Pet Information Updated
Pet microchip registration is one of the most effective ways to protect your pet and ensure a safe return if they go lost. HappyPaws US goes a step further when you register pet microchip in a trusted database, providing owners with lifelong identity and peace of mind. Furthermore, they provide health warranties for each cat, ensuring that your new pet is from a reputable breeder and is cared for to the highest standards.
Begin your journey with HappyPaws US today. Find a responsibly bred, microchipped cat with guaranteed health and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing your pet is protected for life.