Why You Should Consider Pet Microchipping

Pets can slip out through an open door, wander away during a walk, or become separated from their families during a stressful event. A collar with identification tags can help, but tags may fall off or become difficult to read. Pet microchipping gives your pet a permanent form of identification that can help you reunite if they’re ever lost.

How Pet Microchipping Works

A veterinarian places a tiny microchip under your pet’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades. The process is quick and similar to a routine injection. Each chip has a unique identification number that can be read with a scanner at veterinary hospitals and animal shelters.

A microchip is not a GPS device, so it cannot track your pet’s location. Instead, it connects your pet to your contact information in a registry. Remember to register the chip and update your phone number and address if they change. A microchip works best alongside a collar and current identification tags.

The Importance of Microchipping

If someone finds your pet, a shelter or veterinary team can scan for a microchip and use its number to look up your contact details. That can make it easier to confirm who your pet belongs to and get in touch with you. Microchipping is useful for indoor pets, too, since they may get outside unexpectedly.

Microchipping also supports preventative pet care by helping you prepare for an emergency before one happens. It’s a simple step you can discuss with your veterinarian during a routine visit, along with your pet’s vaccinations, wellness exams, and other care needs.

Is Pet Microchipping Affordable?

The cost of microchipping can vary by provider and location, but it is generally a one-time expense. If you’re looking for affordable veterinary care, ask your veterinary team about microchipping fees and whether it can be included in an upcoming appointment. Keeping your registration information current is also important so the chip can do its job if your pet is found.

Help Protect Your Pet

A microchip provides a lasting way to identify your pet and may improve the chances of a safe reunion if they become lost. Keep your contact information current in the chip’s registry, and continue using a collar with identification tags for added peace of mind.

Contact Knickerbocker Road Animal Hospital to schedule a microchipping appointment or ask how microchipping fits into your pet’s preventative care plan. Our team is here to answer your questions about keeping your pet healthy and protected. We proudly serve San Angelo, TX, and the surrounding areas.