Tag: microchip

With June comes warmer weather, school break, and the beginning of summer activities. You and your pets may be spending more time adventuring in the great outdoors. But what if your beloved pet wanders off a little too far and becomes lost? A microchip could be the key to a quick reunion!

What is a Microchip?

Microchips are small implants, roughly the size of a grain of rice, that are injected into the back of a pet’s neck. The chip contains an identification number which is unique to your pet and is linked to your contact information so you can be reached if a lost pet is found.

It’s important to consider that microchips are not GPS trackers. When a chip is scanned at a veterinary office, shelter, or by an animal services officer, it brings up the pet guardian’s information. With this information, whoever has scanned the lost pet’s chip can contact the pet guardian.

For this reason, it’s very important that pet guardians ensure their pet’s microchip information is up to date. If you’ve moved or had a change in phone number or email, be sure to update your pet’s chip information to reflect that.

Why are Chips Important?

According to a study from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), lost pets with microchips are far more likely to be reunited with their guardians than lost pets without microchips. The rate of lost dogs with microchips who were returned to their families is more than double the rate of dogs without chips. The difference for cats was even more dramatic, with the rate of return with a microchip being more than triple the rate without a chip.

Microchips are a permanent form of identification for your pet. Once a chip has been implanted, it can be scanned at any time in your pet’s life. Chips work across boarders, and are even often a requirement for international travel and moves.

Studies also suggest that having your pet microchipped can help to deter pet theft. If you pet is stolen, microchips can offer proof of ownership. This makes chips a key tool in reuniting you with your furry friend, and in catching wrongdoers.

If Your Pet has a Microchip…

That’s great news! Your pet only needs to be microchipped one time in their life. However, it is very important for pet guardians to make sure their pet’s chip information stays up to date. Updated information helps to ensure that you will be able to be contacted should your pet ever get lost.

You are able to update the contact information associated with your pet’s chip through the manufacturer’s database online. If you are unsure which manufacturer your pet’s chip is associated with, you can have the chip scanned at your veterinary office to find out.

If Your Pet doesn’t have a Microchip…

The Humane Society of Utah can help with that! Our Murray clinic offers microchipping services on a walk-in basis. For an affordable, one-time cost of $40, your pet will be protected for life!

After your microchip has been implanted, our clinic will give you an informational handout about registering your microchip online. This is a very important step in the process because this is how you attach your contact information to your pet’s chip.

Don’t wait to protect your pet! Have them microchipped today at our Murray clinic for a lifetime of peace of mind. Find hours of operation, pricing, and more at utahhumane.org/clinic-locations/murray-clinic.