Although we all do what we can to never lose our pets, the reality is that escapes happen. One in three pets will go missing at some point in their lives and being prepared for that can help them find their way back to their family and home.
Invented in 1958 by Jack Kilby, these chips were created in order to help track your pet in case they got lost. The month of May marks the start of Chip Your Pet Month, a campaign organized by veterinarians and humane societies across the country as a way to raise awareness on the importance of chipping your pet!
Why should I chip my pets?
The short answer to that would be that you won’t have to worry about your pet going missing. Having a collar or tag on your pet is not as reliable as chipping your pet, as they can easily be broken or slipped out of.
The microchip will not only provide your contact information but can also provide veterinarians with important medical information in case of dire situations, unlike collars and tags. A study conducted by the American Veterinary Medical Association shows that of all lost dogs, only 22% are returned to their rightful owners. However, this number significantly increases to 52% for dogs that are chipped.
What are the microchips?
These microchips are as small as a grain of rice and are implanted into the neck fat of your pet through a syringe. Don’t worry, this process causes little to no pain or discomfort. Due to its extremely small size, your pet won’t even know it’s there! And, no anaesthesia is required for the chipping process.
Created with a number of very small parts and surrounded by special bioglass, these chips are 100% safe for your pet. The chips also come in different frequencies, so it is important to know which one you are implanting your pet with as not all scanners are able to read all frequencies.
The chips remain dormant, or “asleep” until turned on by a scanner. The scanner provides a unique ID code, which can then be entered into an online pet registry where all of your pet’s information exists.
How much does it cost to chip my pet?
This usually costs between CAD $40 – $60, and some are even offered with neutering or spaying packages. This is a very cost-efficient investment which may give you the ability to reunite with your pet, which ultimately, is priceless.
Where can I chip my pet?
Give your nearest veterinarian or humane society a call. They will be able to provide you with pricing information, and the closest recommended location of where you can chip your pet!
Important Information:
Once your pet has been microchipped with your information, this does not mean that your job is done yet. The most important and final step that must be done for the microchip to work and display your contact information, is to register with an online found pet registry. Contact your local veterinarian or humane society to find out which registry is best for your area!
It is also important to annually check if the microchip is working during your yearly visits to the veterinarian.
