Discussing The Importance Of Microchipping Your Pets
The month of May is known for many things including rain showers, the spring season, allergies and more. But, May is also known for raising awareness about pet microchipping and how this small preventative measure can save your pet’s life. Many people are against microchipping as they deem it unnatural or unsafe. Others don’t fully understand what microchipping your pets actually means or how it works. Today we will be discussing what microchipping your pets actually means, how microchipping works, and the benefits of having your pet microchipped. Keep reading to learn more.
What Is Microchipping
The statistics of lost and/or stolen pets every year is absolutely shocking. According to the American Humane Society, one out of three pets will become lost or stolen within their lifetime. This is an alarming fact for any pet owner as the thought of losing or having your pet stolen is terrifying. That’s why the invention of pet microchipping came about. But what is a pet microchip? It sounds high-tech, but it’s actually simple. Pet microchips are rice-sized radio frequency identification devices (R.F.I.D.) that are permanently inserted underneath the skin of your pet (typically along the spine, between the shoulder blades). That microchip can then be scanned by a veterinarian or animal hospital which will transmit a unique I.D. number. This unique I.D. number reveals and proves the identity of your pet and that you are its owner. This is incredibly useful should your pet run away from home or be stolen and the thief attempts to sell them.
Common Misconceptions About Microchipping
The first animal microchips were planted in companion animals in 1989 by AVID Identification Systems Inc. (the 1st animal microchip manufacturer). As innovative and useful as they are, there have been many misconceptions about them since their debut. One common misconception is that microchipping your pet works as a GPS. This is false. A pet microchip only contains vital information including the pet I.D. number and the pet owner’s contact information. This information will help a pet be reunited with their owner if found, but will not track a pet’s whereabouts via GPS. Another common misconception regarding pet microchipping is the belief that the procedure is painful and requires surgery or anesthesia. This is also false. The R.F.I.D. microchips come preloaded in syringes and are similar to giving your pet a vaccination shot. The whole process only takes a few seconds and it is virtually painless. So don’t believe all of the rumors about microchipping pets. It truly is a remarkable and innovative feat in technology that can keep your pet safe and potentially reunite them with you should they become lost or stolen.
How Expensive Is It To Microchip Your Pet?
Microchipping your pet is a very useful innovation in technology that many pet owners can benefit from. But, how much does this pet convenience cost? One of the best parts about microchipping your pet is how inexpensive it is! The average price to have your pet microchipped runs between $25 and $50. Conveniently enough, most animal shelters now microchip pets before they give them to their new owners and include the costs into the adoption fees. Some veterinarians even offer a discount for microchipping your pet while they are being neutered or spayed. If you’re interested in having your pet microchipped, but don’t want to spend the money, check out your local humane societies and/or animal clinics to see if they offer any discounts or potentially free microchipping.
The Microchip Difference
While microchipping your pet isn’t mandatory, it certainly is useful. Every pet owner dreads the thought of having their pet lost or stolen. Having your pet microchipped can be what makes the difference between reuniting with your pet and potentially losing them forever. To learn more about the dangers of pet theft, check out our previous article entitled Pet Theft Awareness Day. Although microchipping your pet isn’t a guarantee that you will be reunited with them if lost or stolen, it certainly increases the chances. In today’s unpredictable world, you’re better off safe than sorry. Although many people have their reasons for not wanting their pets microchipped, the benefits are invaluable. Our pets are our family and you can’t put a price on family.
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