Why Is It Important to Microchip Your Pet?

At some point, your pet may try to make a break for it. There are many reasons for this. It could be due to getting spooked by a sound or being attracted by an appealing scent. Whatever the reason, research shows that only one in ten pets find their way back home. For this reason, you should look for an effective way to get your beloved pet back. One of the most efficient ways to achieve this is by microchipping your furry friend.

What Is a Microchip?

A microchip is a permanent system of electronic identification for your pet that you can get at Eastern Animal Hospital. It is a pain-free, affordable, and long-term solution for identifying your furry friend. It is a small chip often encased in a glass cylinder the size of a grain of rice. It contains a unique identification number that is detectable with a microchip scanner. 

It does not need replacing and only works when the scanner passes over it. When this happens, the microchip will transmit a radio frequency signal showing your pet’s identification number. Moreover, the radio signal is safe for your furry friend.

Importance of Microchipping Your Pet

One in three pets goes missing at some stage in their lives. These microchips provide the best chance of getting your pet back home safely. Collars and tags can perform the same function, but they are not as effective. Someone may remove their tags, or they could fall off. In some circumstances, they could just fade without you noticing.

Microchips, on the other hand, are permanent and arguably the most reliable way of identifying your pet.

Protects Your Pet

Not only can your pet go missing, but they can also be victims of pet theft. More than two million dogs fall victims to petnapping each year, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC). A registered and updated microchip makes it difficult for a pet thief to get away with it. Although microchips do not include GPS tracking systems, a scan at the vet or police station will reveal the identity of your pet.

Gives You Peace of Mind

While a microchip does not guarantee the safe return of your cat or dog, it offers the best chance you can get. According to the AKC, microchipped pets are 20 times more likely to reunite with their family. 

Owners of microchipped pets have peace of mind when traveling with their pets. You do not have to worry about them getting lost or stolen. Furthermore, a single chip ideally lasts a lifetime. This quick, painless procedure is all you need for peace of mind.

It Is the Responsible Thing to Do

Some countries have laws that make microchipping your pet mandatory. It decreases the strain on animal shelters and improves the lives of the pets. Microchipping is also an effective way of controlling pet overpopulation on the streets. This is especially true for lost pets that are not spayed or neutered.

Losing your pet can be traumatic or even tragic. In addition to conventional identification techniques, a pet owner should consider microchips for their effectiveness and efficiency.

For more on microchipping your pet, visit Eastern Animal Hospital at our office in Baltimore, Maryland. You can call (410) 633-8808 today to schedule an appointment.