More than half of the millions of lost pets that end up at shelters don’t have an ID tag or collar to help identify them or find their owners. The cost to handle the animals, and in many cases, to euthanize these lost pets, is nearly $1 billion a year. And then there’s the emotional cost to the families of worrying and wondering about the missing pets. The good news is that there is a way to help locate your lost pet.
Microchips are tiny transponders, about the size of a grain of rice, that use radio frequency waves (RFID) to transmit information about your pet. They’re implanted just under the skin—usually right between the shoulder blades—using a small syringe, much like a vaccination. It’s a simple, safe, and routine procedure.
Each chip has a unique 10-digit ID code that, once registered, becomes part of a national database. Microchips can be read by a universal scanning device; more than 12,000 shelters and veterinarians can read the code. A call to the database can determine the name, address, and medical history of the lost pet. And just like in the case of Willow and Petunia, one call can lead to that happy homecoming story.
Please consider microchipping. It’s a priceless gift for your family, and your pet.
As vets, we dread finding out that one of our client’s pets is missing. Once a pet is lost, the odds are against a happy reunion back home. According to the American Humane Association, only about seventeen percent of lost dogs and two percent of cats ever find their way back from shelters to their original owners. Almost 9.6 million pets are euthanized every year because their owners can’t be found. Thankfully, there are simple steps you can take to increase the chances of a happy homecoming if your pet is lost. Every pet should have a sturdy collar that fits well and an up-to-date nametag—and every pet should have a microchip. Here’s what you need to know about micro chipping your pet:
What are microchips?
Microchips are tiny transponders, about the size of a grain of rice, that use radio frequency waves (RFID) to transmit information about your pet. They’re implanted just under the skin—usually right between the shoulder blades using a small syringe, much like a vaccination. It’s a simple, safe, and routine procedure.
How do they work?
Each microchip contains a unique registration number and the phone number of the registry for the particular brand of chip. A handheld microchip reader reads the radio frequency of the chip and displays this information. The animal shelter, humane shelter, or vet clinic that finds your pet can contact the registry to get your name and phone number.
Do only dogs need to get microchips?
Inside cats can easily escape from an open door or window, and just about any pet can get lost or stolen. Call and let us know what kind of pet you have, and we’ll tell you whether or not whether micro chipping is a good idea.
Can a microchip get lost inside my pet? Is it safe?
Your pet’s subcutaneous tissue usually bonds to the chip within 24 hours, preventing it from moving, although there’s a small chance that the chip could migrate. But it can’t actually get lost inside your pet. The risks of implanted microchips are very minimal compared to the risk of your pet becoming lost.
How long do microchips last?
Microchips are designed to work for 25 years. Unlike an ID collar or tag, they can’t be lost or damaged.
How do I register my pet?
Complete the paperwork that comes with the chip and send it to the registry, or do it online if that option is available. You’ll also receive a tag for your pet’s collar with the chip number and registry phone number.
What if I move?
You need to contact the company that registers the chip to update your information; otherwise, the chip will be useless. You may be charged a small fee to process the update.
Can I get my pet microchipped at the Delavan Lake Veterinary Clinic?
You sure can! We love being able to help our clients guard against losing a beloved family pet. Call (262) 728-8622 to make an appointment. We use HomeAgain.com microchips, one of the leading providers in the industry. Their Pet Recovery Process has a nationwide recovery network to help mobilize local resources as soon as you notify them of your missing pet.
Does it really work?
You bet it does! Check out this amazing story of Willow the cat. Willow, a lost cat from Colorado that was found five years and 1800 miles later, thanks to the microchip implanted in her neck. The latest heart-warming tale comes from Northern California. Petunia, a dog that went missing in 2003 from its home in Virginia was found in Yuba County, CA, and will be returning home for the holidays eight years later. But far too many lost pets don’t get the same happy ending as Petunia and Willow.Luckily, most found pets don’t have quite that kind of incredible journey. But what a happy ending to that lost pet story!