More than 10 million pets in the United States go missing every year, and if your pet does a disappearing act and isn’t microchipped, they may never find their way back to you. Our Stanton Pet Hospital team encourages all pet owners to microchip their four-legged friend, and we explain the reasons why this procedure is so important.

#1: Microchipping your pet provides permanent identification

A microchip is a tiny, rice-grain sized electronic device enclosed in a glass cylinder that is implanted under the skin between the shoulder blades at the base of your pet’s neck. When the chip is scanned using a reader, a number unique to your pet is displayed, and this number correlates to your contact information. Microchipping your pet is the only way to provide permanent identification that can’t be lost or removed. Other identification forms aren’t as reliable. For example, your pet can pull off their collar, a stranger could purposefully remove the collar, or their tags can become illegible. However, a microchip is staying put. In addition, the chip can’t break and never requires replacing. While microchipping is important, your pet should also wear a collar and identification tags that have your current contact information.

#2: Microchipping your pet improves your chances of a happy reunion

Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine researchers performed a study involving 7,700 shelter pets in 23 states, demonstrating that microchipped cats and dogs are far more likely to be returned to their owners than those who are not microchipped. Study results showed that cats with microchips were 21.4 times more likely to be returned to their owner than cats without microchips. Dogs with microchips were 2.5 times more likely to be returned to their owner than dogs without microchips. By having our team perform your pet’s quick microchip placement injection, you can greatly increase your chances for a happy reunion if your four-legged friend goes missing.

#3: Microchipping your pet helps reduce strain on animal shelters

Numerous pets are euthanized every year because animal shelters don’t have enough space or resources to care for the many pets they receive. When a pet is brought to an animal shelter, staff scan the cat or dog with a reader to determine if they have a microchip. If your pet has a microchip, a shelter worker can access your contact information through the microchip database, and reunite you and your pet. When a pet can be quickly reunited with their owner, space and resources become available for other cats and dogs. 

#4: Microchipping your pet can prevent ownership disputes

Pet ownership disputes are more common than you may think. Whether mistaken identity is at play or more nefarious factors, you want to be able to prove that your pet belongs to you. Distinguishing a pet based only on their breed, color, and markings can be ambiguous, and pictures can’t verify a pet’s identity. If someone claims your pet is theirs, a microchip can easily prove that the cat or dog belongs to you, because you must register the chip using your personal information. 

#5: Microchipping your pet is easy and painless

Implanting the microchip involves an injection under your pet’s skin and is no more painful than a vaccine shot. Our Stanton Pet Hospital team can easily perform this simple procedure at your pet’s next wellness examination or during your puppy’s or kitten’s spay or neuter procedure. The inexpensive procedure is a great investment for your pet’s long-term security.

#6: Microchipping your pet is safe for your personal information

When you have your pet microchipped, you must register the chip and provide your contact information to the microchip registry. The company stores your information in a secure database that only designated personnel can access if they scan your missing pet’s chip. Keeping your contact information up-to-date in the registry is important to ensure the information is correct when your pet’s chip is scanned. If you move or change your phone number, ensure you update your information in the manufacturer’s database as soon as possible. 

#7: Microchipping your pet makes travel easier

While the United States doesn’t require microchipping pets, many other countries do, and if your four-legged friend isn’t microchipped, they may not be able to travel outside the country with you. Before traveling with your pet, check the requirements of the country you plan to visit to ensure you have fulfilled your pet’s prerequisites, such as a microchip, health certificate, and current rabies vaccination.

Our Stanton Pet Hospital team wants to help ensure your pet is returned to you if they go missing. Contact us today to schedule your four-legged friend’s microchipping procedure.