Importance of Pet Microchipping With Collierville Animal Clinic & Surgery Center

Lost pets often never find their way home without the assistance of others. One way to help ensure your pet gets back home should he or she becomes lost is through the use of a microchip. If you have any questions about microchipping, talk to your veterinarian at the Collierville Animal Clinic and Surgery Center.

What is Microchipping and What Does it Do

Microchips are tiny rice-size chips that are installed between the shoulder blades of a pet. The chip uses a radio frequency that contains a unique number that is associated solely with your pet. When your pet becomes lost or stolen and is taken to a veterinarian or a shelter, the veterinarian or staff member can scan your pet and retrieve your registered information. As an owner, you can update the information as needed to ensure it’s easy to get in touch with you if your pet needs to find his way home.

Importance of Microchipping

Every year over 10 million cats and dogs are lost or stolen within the United States. This amounts to one in every three pets. Only around 22 percent of dogs that enter animal shelters are returned to their owners and less than 2 percent of cats make their way home. Approximately 58 percent of microchipped dogs found their way back home, while over 38 percent of cats were returned to their rightful owners.

How it’s Installed and How Harmless is it?

Microchips are installed between the shoulder blades of a pet by using a microchipping needle. The needle is slightly larger than those used for vaccinations. The procedure is relatively harmless and only leaves behind a small sore that heals within a few days. Animals as young as 8 weeks of age may be microchipped.

Schedule An Appointment With Collierville Animal Clinic & Surgery Center

If you would like to schedule an appointment for microchipping, contact your veterinarian at the Collierville Animal Clinic and Surgery Center at (901) 853-8519 to schedule an appointment.