Did you know that today, August 15th, is officially Check The Chip Day? If your furry pal hasn’t been microchipped yet, this is a great time to do that. Read on as a local Frisco, TX vet discusses microchips.
What Are Microchips?
Microchips are very tiny, about the size of a grain of rice. While getting your pet chipped will only take a few minutes, this quick and easy procedure is one of the best things you can do to protect your furry friend. This simple technology has facilitated the reunions of countless pets with their worried humans!
How Microchips Work
Microchips don’t actually transmit any information. Each chip contains only a unique ID number, which correlates to your pet’s records in the chip manufacturer’s database. These numbers can be read with special scanners. When a pet with a microchip is found and brought to a vet or animal shelter, they are typically checked for chips, so the owners can be contacted if possible.
Getting Your Furry Pal Chipped
Although we recommend that pets be microchipped while they are young, pets can be microchipped at any age. The procedure will only take a few minutes. Your vet will use a hypodermic needle to insert the chip beneath your four-legged friend’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades. As to recovery time, well, a few ear scritches and perhaps a belly rub should do the trick.
Records
Getting your pet microchipped is only the first part of the process. You’ll need to fill out your records for the chip manufacturer’s database. The chip won’t work if your contact information is missing, outdated, or incomplete! Remember to update this information whenever you move or change contact information.
Checking The Chip
While microchips don’t need any maintenance, it is a good idea to have your vet check your pet’s chip regularly, just to make sure that it is still functioning and hasn’t moved. This will only take a few minutes, and can easily be worked into your furry buddy’s regular veterinary appointments.
Pet Microchip Lookup
If you have your pet’s chip ID number, try using the AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup Tool, which is located here. This site contains the records for most, though not all, of the major chipmakers.
Do you need to make an appointment to get your pet microchipped? Contact us, your local Frisco, TX animal clinic, today!
