Did your dog escape from the backyard? Cat lost her collar? Give yourself peace of mind with a microchip implant!
What is microchipping for dogs and cats?
A microchip contains a computer chip about the size of a grain of rice. It’s implanted under your pet’s skin between their shoulder blades. Microchipping is a permanent way to quickly identify your pet, increasing the chances they’ll be returned to you if they run away or get lost.
What are the benefits of microchipping cats and dogs?
Microchips have many advantages over other permanent identification methods.
Unlike tags, microchips will never fade over time or get lost due to an ill-fitting collar. While a tattoo is more permanent, it can stretch or fade over time and become difficult to read. This could make it harder to get in touch with you if your tattooed pet is found. A microchip, on the other hand, is implanted under the skin and can’t be lost. Since it’s electronic, it can be easily read by any shelter, SPCA or veterinary clinic with a microchip scanner, All pet ID numbers are stored in a North American database. No matter where your pet is, they’ll have a better chance of being reunited with you. If you move, be sure to update your information with the microchip company as soon as possible.
Some municipalities in the area, including Candiac, Saint-Constant and Delson, now require all local cats and dogs to have a licence. These licences are available at a reduced price, or even for free, when your pet is microchipped.
Why should I microchip my dog or cat?
If a pet hasn’t been identified after 3 to 5 days, they may be put up for adoption or even euthanized, so it’s important that there’s a way to identify them. If your lost pet is sick or had an accident, being able to identify them allows them to get fast, potentially life-saving treatment.
That’s why most SPCAs implant microchips when pets are adopted. This way, owners of stray and abandoned animals can be quickly located.
How are pets microchipped?
Only veterinarians or animal health technicians under a vet’s supervision can microchip a pet. The chip is implanted beneath the skin with a needle, similar to administering a vaccine. Many shelters and organizations host affordable microchipping clinics.
A microchip is not a GPS. You can’t locate your pet until they’ve been found, but there are GPS systems you can use along with microchipping.
If you’re interested in having your pet microchipped, give us a call. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have.
