Microchips are a quick and easy way to provide your pet with a permanent identification that can be tracked back to you. That way, if your pet ever gets out and is lost, anyone who finds them can take them to a shelter or veterinary clinic to have the microchip scanned and they can be returned to you.
Microchip implantation is quick and easy and can be done at any appointment - even a tech visit! We use HomeAgain microchips which are a 15-digit ISO chip which is recognized for international travel. In some areas, including Harris County where we are located, microchipping is required as part of your local pet registration.
See the answers to some common microchip questions:
How big are microchips?
Microchips are about the size of a long grain piece of rice.
How are microchips implanted?
Microchips are implanted using a special syringe.
Where are microchips implanted?
The universal location for microchips is between the shoulder blades. On occasion, they can migrate, however, professionals working with pets know this is the case and microchip training is such that when scanning for chips, the entire animal is scanned, even if chips are only implanted in the same location.
If my pet becomes lost, how does the microchip help them find their way home?
When a lost pet is brought to a shelter or clinic, staff members can scan the pet for a microchip. The microchip contains an identification number that can be searched through a universal microchip database to find the microchip manufacturer and registry information. The manufacturer can then be contacted to access your registration information and help your pet find their way back home. Depending on how your information is set up, they may share contact information with the facility that scanned your pet so they may call. Often good citizens that have found your pet will share their information so you may call them to meet up and get your pet back.
Can I track my lost pet with their microchip?
Unfortunately, the microchip does not contain GPS tracking, but provides a permanent unique identification number.
Still have questions? Call us today and we'll be happy to answer any questions regarding microchips and how they help lost pets find their way home.