Losing a pet is one of the worst experiences for pet owners. While escapes can’t always be prevented, microchipping your pet can ensure a greater chance that they are returned to you. At White Marsh Animal Hospital in White Marsh MD, we are happy to discuss if microchipping your pet is the right choice for you. Read on to learn more about microchipping.
What is a Microchip, and How Does It Work?
A microchip is a tiny chip about the size of a grain of rice. It contains a unique ID number that is registered in a database and associated with your contact information. While the chip itself does not contain your personal information, the vet or shelter can then use the ID to reach out to the company that made the chip to let you know they have found your pet.
Does My Pet Have to be Under Anesthesia to Get Microchipped?
A microchip is inserted via a hypodermic needle in the vet’s office. This can be done without an incision, with your pet awake. It shouldn’t hurt any more than a regular vaccine. Rest assured, it’s a quick, easy, and painless process.
Do I Need a Microchip If My Pet Wears a Collar?
Good collars are breakaway, so if your pet becomes stuck, they will snap off. Collars can slip off or snap, even if they aren’t breakaway. A microchip is an additional safety net. Microchipped pets are twenty times more likely to make their way home than pets without one.
Is the Microchip Safe?
Microchipping is very safe. Most pets rarely know when the chip has been implanted and are never bothered by it. Ask our veterinarian at White Marsh Animal Hospital for more information.
Is Microchipping Right for My Pet?
As with any decision on pet care you are unsure of, always consult your vet if you consider microchipping your friend. Overall, microchipping is a safe, fast, and effective measure to make sure your pet gets back to you if it becomes lost.
Pet Microchipping in White Marsh, MD
At White Marsh Animal Hospital, we have been providing residents of White Marsh, MD with reliable pet microchipping services for many years. Call us today at (410) 335-8400 for more information or to schedule an appointment with our veterinarian.
