Microchip
The Ultimate Pet ID for Safety and Peace of Mind
Did you know that nearly one in three pets will become lost during their lives? Even if you have a collar with ID tags on your pet, it can easily be lost or taken off.
Not so with microchip implants, which are an incredibly easy and inexpensive way to find lost pets, keeping them out of animal shelters and getting them back where they belong.
Microchipping is a simple process that can be done while a pet is under anesthesia for another procedure or without anesthesia as part of a routine office exam. The microchip is contained in a biocompatible capsule smaller than a grain of rice that’s non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and completely safe. An easy, nearly pain-free procedure then places the chip just under the skin. Microchips are rated for 25 years, meaning they never need to be replaced or recharged during your pet’s lifetime.
The likelihood of a lost pet being reunited with their family is greatly increased if the pet has a microchip with the most recent contact information for the owner.
Benefits of Microchipping
- Permanent Identification: Unlike collars and tags, which can fall off or be removed, a microchip provides a permanent form of identification that stays with your pet for life.
- Increased Chances of Reunification: Pets with microchips are significantly more likely to be reunited with their owners. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, dogs with microchips are returned to their owners 52.2% of the time, compared to just 21.9% for those without. For cats, the difference is even more significant: 38.5% versus 1.8%.
- Quick and Painless Procedure: Implanting a microchip is a quick and relatively painless process, similar to a routine vaccination. It can be done during a regular vet visit and does not require anesthesia.
- Proof of Ownership: In cases of ownership disputes or lost pets, a microchip provides indisputable proof of ownership. This can be particularly important if your pet is stolen or if there are disagreements over ownership.
- Low Maintenance: Once implanted, a microchip requires no maintenance or replacement. However, it is crucial to keep your contact information up to date in the pet recovery database to ensure you can be reached if your pet is found.
Keeping Your Information Updated
It’s essential to keep your contact information current in the microchip database. If you move or change phone numbers, update your details as soon as possible. Many microchip companies offer online management of your account, making it easy to ensure your information is always up to date.
At Omaha Vets Group, our hospitals use Petlink microchips, which contain an identification number. This number allows you to provide your pet with a permanent, unique, and unalterable ID, giving you peace of mind. If your pet has recently been microchipped at one of our hospitals, register your pet’s chip here.
To get your pet “chipped,” make an appointment with one of our network hospitals.
