Microchipping

Microchipping

Microchipping

Microchipping in Madison, AL

happy dog

Whether you become responsible for a furry, feathered or scaly family member, there are lots of things to think about - what to feed her and where she‘s going to sleep maybe some of the first things that you address, but microchipping should also be one of your immediate priorities. Losing an animal is an owner’s worst nightmare, but it is more common than you might expect. In fact, the American Humane Society estimates that around one in every three pets will become lost during their lifetime. As a responsible and loving owner, you will be pleased to know that there is a way of increasing the likelihood that you will be successfully reunited with your creature – a simple process called microchipping.


Pet microchipping is now recommended by almost all veterinary professionals. This is because research shows that you are significantly more likely to be reunited with a lost animal if it has been microchipped. Microchipping can but shouldn’t necessarily replace collars and tags as these can be valuable in quickly contacting a nearby owner without the finder having to take your pet to a professional for scanning. However, since microchips are tamper-proof and should last the duration of your pet’s lifetime, they provide a valuable secondary form of identification.

How does pet microchipping work?

Each microchip, which is around the same size as a grain of rice, is pre-loaded with a unique identification number that is assigned to you when you register with your microchip provider. This identification number refers to an entry on the microchip provider’s secure database that contains your registration information. This is normally your name, address, and contact number. Some providers also let you upload any vital information about the health of your pet to the database, which can be valuable if she is injured or ill when she is found and needs urgent veterinary attention.


When a lost pet is recovered, veterinarians or other professionals will be able to scan the back of their neck using an RFID scanner to see whether they have a microchip. This scan activates the microchip, causing it to send a signal with the unique identification number to the scanner along with the microchip provider’s name. The vet or shelter scanning your pet can use this to contact the provider to let them know that your pet has been recovered, and you can be contacted to arrange to collect her.

Does microchipping hurt?

Many pet owners have concerns about microchipping being painful. Fortunately, the process to place the microchip is just like that for a vaccination. The chip is usually inserted into the soft tissue at the back of the neck and this takes just a few of seconds. You can distract her with love and attention while this takes place. It is important to note that if you have a pet with different anatomy to a cat or dog, her microchip may be placed in a slightly different location on her body.

Are my registration details safe?

Understandably, identity theft is a significant concern for many people. Fortunately, companies that require personal information, such as microchipping providers, take the protection of their client’s personal information extremely seriously and invest heavily in cyber security and follow strict protocols when it comes to both storing and sharing your registration details. Be sure to choose a reputable provider to ensure the greatest safety for your personal information.



If you would like more information about the benefits of microchipping, or to make an appointment for your pet to have this service, contact our offices in Madison, AL today.


Our veterinarians and staff are committed to ensure that your pets receive the compassionate and individualized attention they deserve.