Celebrate Pet Chip Month

It’s National Chip Your Pet Month. If your pet hasn’t been chipped yet, we recommend getting this done ASAP. If your furry buddy were ever to get lost, a microchip would significantly improve your chances of getting them back. In this article from Westside Animal Hospital, a local Pooler, GA vet discusses pet microchips.

How Do Pet Microchips Work?

Passive radio-frequency identification, or RFID, technology is used in microchips. The microchip, commonly referred to as a PIT (passive transponder tag) or transponder, is typically dormant. Chips are only made active when they are scanned by a specialized device. The chip is activated by low-frequency radio waves that these scanners emit. That distinct ID number will then be transmitted by the chip. After that, it will appear on the device’s screen.

What Other Advantages Do Microchips Offer?

Despite not being GPS-compatible, certain products can be connected to Fluffy and Fido’s microchip. One example would be pet doors. If you have a fenced yard, you install a microchip-lined pet door, and let your Fido come and go as he chooses, without having to worry about coming home to discover a raccoon in your living room. There are also dishes that will only open for a particular chip. This can be useful if you have several pets and one or more of them require a particular diet.

Does My Pet Still Need ID Tags?

Of course! Many places legally require them. We recommend them even if you reside in a place where they aren’t required. If someone were to find your furry friend, this would be the most convenient way for them to get in touch with you. (Note: we advise writing the word REWARD on the tag. This can help motivate people to return found pets.) Ask your Pooler, GA vet for more information. 

What Are Microchips?

A microchip is essentially an implanted ID tag, similar to a permanent ID tag. They are very small, just about the size of a grain of rice. It is usually positioned slightly under the skin, in between the shoulder blades, in dogs and cats. These act as an invisible link between you and your furry bestie.

Microchips do not contain any data, nor do they hold your pet’s medical records. Every chip has just one piece of information: a unique user ID that correlates with your records in the chipmaker’s database.

Although dogs and cats are the ones who typically get chipped, rabbits, birds, horses, cattle, ferrets, tortoises, and reptiles can also get them. Ask your vet for more information. 

Can You Use a Microchip to Track A Lost Pet?

GPS technology is not compatible with microchips. Here, the power supply is the obstacle. Until scientists figure out how to run a microchip off of Fluffy’s purrs and Fido’s tail wags, this is unlikely to change.

However, you can purchase GPS tags for your pets. Many pet owners have already used these to find their furry runaways. Just do some research before buying one. Companies and products vary greatly here. A few things to consider include subscription costs, waterproofing capability, technology utilized, battery life, and range. For instance, although some of these gadgets use wi-fi, others are powered by satellite. 

How Long Will My Pet’s Microchip Last?

Most microchips last around 25 years. People who own pets that live longer than that would eventually need replacement chips.

Are Pet Microchips Scannable by Phone?

No. This is also unlikely to change because microchips and the technologies used in phones are ultimately incompatible. Then again, you never know! That would be a great development.

What Takes Place If A Microchipped Dog Is Stolen?

Microchips are among the most reliable ways to establish ownership. They also hold up in court. Furthermore, they are more difficult to cut off than collars. In fact, this is one of the main justifications for the significance of microchipping.

How Can I Keep My Pet’s Microchip Updated?

Microchips are idle most of the time. They don’t require upkeep or modifications. Having said that, you might want to have your pet’s chip scanned by your veterinarian at regular check-ups to make sure it remains in place and is functional.

Additionally, you must maintain up-to-date records for your pet.

Is There A Subscription Fee I Have To Pay After My Pet Is Chipped?

Certain companies offer packages with additional costs. Many locations also charge a one-time, lifetime fee. Ask your veterinarian for more details.

What Comes Next After My Pet Is Microchipped?

You must complete your account info in the chipmaker’s register. This is very important! The chip is useless if your contact information is out-of-date or absent.

It’s crucial that you keep this in mind in case you relocate or modify your contact details.

Why Is It Important to Microchip My Pet?

Microchips are like a lifeline between you and your best friend. While many people dislike the thought of their beloved pets going missing, the truth is that this happens far more frequently than you may realize. Actually, over one-third of pets get lost at some point during their lifespan.

Many people believe that their beloved and devoted pets will never run off. Sadly, that isn’t the reality. Remember that scared animals are always at risk of running off.  Additionally, there is typically a significant rise following New Year’s Eve and July 4th, when a lot of pets flee from the noise and fireworks. Mishaps, like a meter reader leaving a gate open, are also not uncommon. 

Do Microchips Really Help?

Absolutely. In fact, the statistics of lost pets are very alarming. Ohio State University’s most recent study provided some clarification on this subject.

• 74% of chipped dog owners and 63.5% of chipped cat owners were contacted.
• 74% of the owners wanted their pets (61% for cats and 76% for dogs).
• 52.2% of microchipped canines and 21.9% of all stray dogs were returned to their owners, a difference of 2.4 times.
• Compared to unchipped cats, microchipped cats had a 21.4-fold higher chance of returning home (38.5% vs. 1.8%).

The most common reason owners couldn’t be located was that their phone numbers were disconnected or wrong, accounting for approximately 35.4% of cases. Twenty-four percent of the owners never answered their letters or calls. Of the remaining chips, about 10% were unregistered, and 17% were registered in a database other than the chipmakers’.  

What Is The Microchipping Process Like?

This is a really easy and quick process. It’s no different for Fido and Fluffy than receiving a shot. Your Pooler, GA vet will insert the chip beneath their skin, using a hypodermic needle. This is often carried out concurrently with spay/neuter surgery. (Given that the animal is already at the clinic and sedated, this makes sense.) You may schedule it on its own, though. For more details, ask your veterinarian. There is no recovery time needed for chips, though of course there would be for spay/neuter surgery. 

Make An Appointment At Your Pooler, GA Pet Clinic

Is your pet due for an appointment? Contact us, your Westside Animal Hospital, anytime. As your Pooler, GA animal hospital, we are always here to help!