August 15th is Check The Chip Day! If your pet hasn’t been microchipped yet, this is a great time to do so. Microchips are not very large, but they can play a huge role in your beloved pet’s life. These tiny devices have facilitated the reunions of thousands of lost pets and their humans. A Rockwall, TX vet discusses ‘installing’ and checking pet microchips in this article.
Microchips are very small, usually about the size of a grain of rice. They use radio waves to transmit information. Don’t worry: your dog won’t be able to use your kitchen radio to tell you he’s hungry, and Fluffy won’t meow through your speakers. Chips actually only transmit one piece of data: a special ID number. This information can be read using a scanner. Vets and animal clinics typically do this when they intake new pets. If a chip is found, that ID number will match up with your records in the manufacturer’s database, thereby linking you and your wayward buddy.
Having a chip implanted is a quick and easy procedure. You can schedule this on its own, or add it to any of your pet’s regular appointments. However, many people choose to have this done when they get their furry friends fixed. Your vet will use a hypodermic needle to inject the chip beneath your pet’s skin. This only takes a moment. For your pet, it’s very much like getting a shot.
So how do you go about checking the chip? We recommend having your vet do it at your pet’s next appointment. There is no maintenance needed: this is just to ensure that it has not slipped or malfunctioned.
The microchip itself is only half of the package. You’ll also need to make sure that your records are correct in the chipmaker’s database. The chip won’t be of any use if your contact information is outdated, wrong, or missing! One way you can do this is by using the AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup Tool here. This site contains the records of most, if not all, of the major chip manufacturers.
Microchips do not negate the need for ID tags. Make sure your pet is wearing current ones!
Please reach out if ever we can be of assistance. As your Rockwall, TX animal clinic, we’re here to help!