Today, the best form of pet identification out there is the microchip. If you haven’t heard of these, learn more here as your Floyds Knob, IN veterinary professional fills you in.

What’s a Microchip, Anyway?

A microchip is a very small computer chip that stores a number electronically. The number corresponds to the chip manufacturer’s database, in which your pet’s contact information is held. The microchip itself is housed inside a small glass capsule which is inserted under your pet’s skin. If a pet is lost or runs away and is subsequently returned to an animal shelter or vet’s office, special scanners there can read the number on the chip. In this fashion, the lost pet can be returned to their rightful owner promptly.

What Are the Benefits of Microchips?

Microchips cannot be removed by a pet, the way ID tags on a collar could be chewed off or get snagged and ripped off. You never have to worry about your pet being identified in the event of an accident! In addition, microchips are easy to update. Rather than having new ID tags made every time you get a new phone number or have a change of address, you can simply contact the microchip manufacture to have them update their database. Your pet’s contact information can be updated electronically, without the need to ever see your pet.

Can I Track My Pet’s Movements?

No. It’s important to realize that microchips are not GPS devices, and a pet’s movements cannot be tracked in real time. While there certainly are devices out there that can do this, GPS technology is not included in personal identification microchips at this time.

What’s the Procedure Like?

A microchip capsule is implanted under the skin using a specialized needle. The capsule has tiny barbs on the outside that help it lodge into a pet’s skin; after administration, scar tissue forms around the capsule and keeps it in place. The administration itself won’t hurt your pet in the least. It’s just like a regular vaccination, and your pet will only feel a momentary pinch. In most cases, the chip is administered between the shoulder blades, just behind the neck.

How Do I Get My Pet a Microchip?

Your Floyds Knob, IN animal hospital performs the microchipping procedure in-house. If you would like to get your animal companion a microchip, set up an appointment at the office today!