Discussing Pet Microchips, What They Do, How They Work, And How They Can Keep Your Pet Safe In Honor Of National Check The Chip Day
August 15th is a very special day for pets and pet owners alike. That’s because August 15th is celebrated as Check The Chip Day! This amazing pet-themed, awareness-based holiday is all about keeping pets safe through the use of microchips. Never heard of pet microchips? Then you’re in luck because this article will cover everything you need to know about pet microchips.
This includes what pet microchips do, how they work, how they can help keep your pet safe, and the holiday that promotes and raises awareness about them.
A pet microchip
What Is A Pet Microchip?
The A.V.M.A. (American Veterinary Medical Association) defines a pet microchip as a rice-sized radio frequency identification device (R.F.I.D.). They are permanently implanted under the skin using a hypodermic needle and are used to identify pets. When a scanner is used on a microchipped pet, by a veterinarian or animal shelter, the microchip will relay a unique I.D. number that identifies your pet.
How Pet Microchips Help Pets
Every pet owner dreads the thought of having their pet lost or stolen. But, having your pet microchipped can be the deciding factor in your pet being found, identified, and returned. While collars and tags help identify pets, they can easily be removed or destroyed. Pet microchips are permanent, reliable ways to identify pets.
Additionally, most lost pets without tags end up in animal shelters. In many cases, their owners never find them. But, with pet microchips, animal shelters can easily identify a pet even without tags. Essentially, pet microchips significantly increase the odds of you and your pet being reunited should they become lost or stolen.
A pet microchip being administered
Common Misconceptions
One very common misconception about pet microchips is that they work like a G.P.S. This is not true. Microchips don’t give you an exact location of your pet. But, they do help identify your pet should they become lost or stolen. The unique I.D. number that the microchip transfers does not reveal any sensitive information either. It only reveals the pet’s I.D. number and your contact info.
Another common misconception about pet microchips is the procedure itself. Many believe microchipping involves a painful operation/surgery. This is also false. Pet microchips come in preloaded syringes, similar to a vaccine shot. The process takes only a few seconds, does not require anesthesia, and is virtually painless.
A Holiday That Saves Lives
Check The Chip Day (8/15) was created by the A.V.M.A. (American Veterinary Medical Association) and the A.A.H.A. (American Animal Hospital Association). The aim of this holiday is to educate pet owners about the importance of microchipping and how it can reunite them with their lost pets. So many lost pets end up in animal shelters, but can’t be identified and returned to their owner. Pet microchipping changes that.
A dog on social media
Observing The Holiday
The best way to observe Check The Chip Day is to have your pet microchipped. The procedure is quick, painless, and relatively affordable. Talk with your veterinarian about having your pet microchipped.
Additionally, if your pet is already microchipped, be sure to update your pet’s registration. In most cases, you create an account through the manufacturer and upload important information like name, phone number, and address. Make sure all of your info is up-to-date so your pet has the best odds of being reunited with you if lost.
Lastly, be sure to spread the word about this wonderful holiday on social media. A simple post about Check The Chip Day can help educate pet owners about the value and importance of pet microchips. Additionally, be sure to share this article too!
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