Microchip identification is very popular today—however, if you’re new to cat or dog ownership, you may not be aware of them. Here, your Chesapeake, VA vet goes over the basics.

What’s are Microchips, Exactly, and How Do They Work?

A microchip is a tiny computer chip which is housed inside of a glass capsule and inserted just under your pet’s skin. A number is implanted electronically on the chip, and it corresponds with the chip manufacturer’s database that holds your pet’s important contact information.

When a lost pet is returned to an animal shelter or vets’ office, special scanners there can read the number on the chip. In this fashion, veterinary professionals can get the lost animal returned to the rightful owner with ease.

Can My Pet Be Tracked?

It’s important to understand that microchips do not allow you to track your pet’s movements in real time; this would require GPS technology, which does not come with pet microchips being manufactured currently. This sort of technology is available in other devices, though, and some experts even believe that it may be included in pet identification chips in the future.

Why Get My Pet a Microchip?

There are multiple benefits to microchips, and they work well in conjunction with standard ID tags. The foremost benefit is that your pet won’t be able to remove the microchip by accident, the way a collar with ID tags may be chewed through, ripped away, or slipped off. Even if your pet gets lost or runs away unexpectedly, you’ll know they’re properly identified!

Microchips are inexpensive; it rarely costs more than $100 for both the chip itself and the implant procedure. They’re also easy to have updated should you move or get a new phone number—there’s no need to get a new chip. Simply call the microchip manufacturer to have them update your pet’s information.

What’s the Implant Procedure Like?

The microchip capsule is inserted under your pet’s skin—typically just behind the neck, in between the shoulder blades—using a specialized syringe. Much like a regular vaccination, it only causes a momentary pinching sensation, and then the whole process is over!

How Do I Get My Pet a Microchip?

Would you like to get your pet a microchip to keep them properly identified or complement their existing ID tags? Make an appointment today at your Chesapeake, VA animal clinic to get started!