Microchipping

Microchipping your pet

Each year millions of pets are lost. Without identification, many pets are never reunited with their families. We recommend identification tags on collars, but as we all know, these can be lost. Microchips are a permanent form of identification that gives the best chance of your pet being found and brought back to you.

A study found that dogs with microchips
were returned 52% of the time, while dogs 
without microchips were returned only 17% 
of the time.

Cats with microchips were returned 39% of 
the time, while cats without microchips were 
returned only 2% of the time.

• Microchips are the size of a grain of rice and are implanted under the skin between the shoulder blades, and are no more painful to your pet than a vaccination. Many do not react.
• Microchips have a unique number that will be assigned to your pet only. The chip only contains the number and not your personal information. Your information is kept secure by Petlink.
• Animals hospitals and shelters use a special scanner to locate a microchip on lost pets. When a chip is found, a call to the national registry starts the process of reuniting the pet with their family.
• Microchipping can be done during your pet’s annual exam or as a technician visit. A great time to have it done is while your pet is under anesthesia for a medical procedure such as a neuter, spay or dental.
• Cats are great candidates for a microchip! Cats have more opportunities of wandering off. Indoor cats should be microchipped in the event that they become spooked and run out the door.
• Holiday activities, workmen in the house or natural disasters are all potential opportunities for your pets to get out of the house and become lost.
• The microchip includes registration into the PetLink Database for the life of your pet. Just sign on to www.petlink.net and register your pet! It is important you keep your contact information up to date. Outdated phone numbers and addresses are the most common problems encountered when lost pets are scanned.

What to do if your pet is lost

• • Call all the animal hospitals, shelters (SPCA’s) and police in your area.
  • Post flyers with a color photo, your pet’s name, age, description, date lost, location lost and your contact information. Post everywhere!
  • Place ads in the newspapers. Also check the newspapers daily for your pet in the found section. Did you know that most newspapers will run a free ad for people who have found a lost pet or lost item?
  • Use social media! Facebook posts and Tweets have helped more pets find their way back home!
  • Drive around your neighborhood! Don’t just walk. Some dogs may not come to you, but will jump in your car when you open the door!
  • Alert your neighbors to keep an eye out.
  • Most important! Don’t give up! Many pets have been found months later.

Can your pet find their way home? 

Cats, dogs, rabbits and even ferrets can all be microchipped quickly and easily.  Please call us today to schedule an appointment for your pet’s microchip.  It could save their life.