If you’ve recently adopted a pet, you’ll want to have them identified properly. It’s an important step for your new companion’s health and safety! Outfitting your pet with a microchip is the best way to make sure they’re identified for a lifetime. Learn more about microchips below from your Braselton, GA veterinary clinic.
What’s a Microchip?
A microchip is nothing more than a tiny computer chip that contains an electronic number. That number corresponds to the chip manufacturer’s database, where your pet’s contact information is stored. The microchip is implanted under your pet’s skin so that when your pet gets lost and is returned to an animal shelter or vet’s office, specialized scanning devices there can read the chip’s number to find the rightful owners.
Pet identification microchips are not GPS trackers—they do not let you track your pet’s movement in real time. This kind of technology does exist, though, and you can find devices that allow you to track your pet if you so desire.
What are the Benefits of Microchips?
The main benefit of a microchip is that it provides constant, secure identification to give you peace of mind. Your pet can’t remove their microchip, the way they might be able to rip away or chew through a collar with ID tags. In fact, most pet owners use a microchip and ID tags at the same time for maximum effectiveness.
Another great benefit of microchips is that they’re cost-effective. You’ll only have to purchase one for your pet’s entire lifetime, and you might not have to purchase one at all if you adopt from a shelter organization, as these facilities sometimes microchip a pet before adoption. And if you get a new address or telephone number later in life, you don’t need a new microchip—just call the chip company to update your information.
What’s the Implant Procedure Like?
The microchip itself is housed in a tiny glass capsule, and this unit is inserted under the skin using a specialized hypodermic needle-like device. The procedure is virtually painless and only takes a moment or two, just like a regular vaccination. Your pet will barely notice!
How Do I Get My Pet a Microchip?
If you’re ready to have your pet outfitted with a microchip, or if you have questions about the implant, call us. We’re here for you!
Schedule your pet’s appointment with your Braselton, GA veterinarian.