The Importance of Microchipping Your Pet

Microchipping your pet is one of the quickest ways to ensure they are returned to you if they ever go missing.
As a responsible pet owner, ensuring the safety and well-being of your furry friend is likely at the top of your priority list. One of the most effective ways to safeguard your pet is by microchipping them. Despite its simplicity, microchipping is often overlooked by many pet owners. This blog post delves into the importance of microchipping your pet, highlighting its benefits and addressing common concerns.
What is Microchipping?
Microchipping is a simple, safe, and permanent method of electronically identifying your pet. The microchip itself is a tiny device, about the size of a grain of rice, that is implanted just under the skin, typically between the shoulder blades.
Each microchip has a unique identification number that, when scanned, provides the contact information of the pet owner. This information is stored in a database that animal shelters, veterinary clinics, and animal control officers can access.
Why is Microchipping Important?
- Permanent Identification
Unlike collars and tags, which can easily break or be removed, a microchip provides a permanent form of identification. This means that even if your pet loses their collar or tag, the microchip remains a reliable way to identify them and reunite them with you. - Increased Chances of Recovery
Studies have shown that microchipped pets are significantly more likely to be reunited with their owners compared to those without microchips. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), dogs without microchips are returned to their owners about 22% of the time, whereas microchipped dogs are returned approximately 52% of the time. For cats, the numbers are even more striking: only 2% of non-microchipped cats are reunited with their owners, compared to over 38% of microchipped cats. - Proof of Ownership
In cases of lost or stolen pets, a microchip serves as proof of ownership. This can be crucial in situations where ownership is disputed or when trying to retrieve a stolen pet. The unique ID number in the microchip is linked to your contact information, which can help resolve such disputes quickly. - Compliance with Local Laws
In some areas, microchipping pets is a legal requirement. Ensuring your pet is microchipped helps you comply with local regulations and avoid potential fines or legal issues. Additionally, many pet adoption agencies and shelters require microchipping before allowing adoption, ensuring a higher likelihood of pets being returned to their owners if they become lost. Although Hamilton County doesn’t have a requirement, it is the policy of Cincinnati Animal CARE as of March 2024 to microchip every animal when we take them into care. This ensures that when an animal is returned to their owner the microchip has their information loaded in case the animal goes missing again. - Cost-Effective and Low Maintenance
Microchipping is a one-time cost and does not require any ongoing maintenance. The procedure is quick and relatively painless, similar to a routine vaccination. The cost of microchipping is minimal, especially when considering the peace of mind it provides and the potential costs of searching for a lost pet without a microchip.
Addressing Common Concerns about Microchipping
- Safety of the Procedure
Microchipping is a safe and minimally invasive procedure. It is performed by a veterinarian or trained professional, and complications are extremely rare. The microchip is biocompatible, meaning it is unlikely to cause any allergic reactions or adverse effects in your pet. - Privacy Concerns
Some pet owners worry about privacy and the security of their personal information. It’s important to note that the microchip itself does not contain any personal information; it only holds a unique identification number. Your contact information is stored securely in a database, and access to this information is restricted to authorized personnel such as veterinarians and animal shelter staff. - Not a GPS Tracker!
A common misconception is that microchipping your pet is like a GPS tracker. However, microchips don’t have any geo-locating capabilities. No one is able to track your pet’s location via their microchip. Its once your pet is found and taken to a place that has a microchip scanner that the microchip can be used to help contact the owner. - Effectiveness
While a microchip significantly increases the chances of a lost pet being reunited with its owner, it is important to keep your contact information up to date in the microchip database. If you move or change your phone number, make sure to update your information with the microchip registry. Additionally, combining microchipping with a collar and ID tag provides an extra layer of security for your pet.
Conclusion
Microchipping is a simple yet highly effective way to ensure the safety and security of your pet. It provides permanent identification, increases the chances of recovery, serves as proof of ownership, helps comply with local laws, and is both cost-effective and low maintenance. By microchipping your pet, you are taking a crucial step in responsible pet ownership and ensuring your furry friend’s safety.
Don’t wait until it’s too late – talk to your veterinarian about microchipping your pet today or visit Cincinnati Animal CARE where we provide microchips on-site for $15! Come down to 3949 Colerain Ave any day from 1-5:30pm to get your pet microchipped. Learn more about our microchipping services.