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With National Check the Chip Day coming up on August 15, we wanted to remind you of the importance of getting your pet microchipped. If your pet already has a chip, this is your reminder to make sure that your registration information is up-to-date.
The American Humane Society estimates over 10 million dogs or cats are reported lost each year. Unfortunately, a large percentage of those lost pets are never returned to their owner. There could be a number of reasons for the failure to reunite, but top of the list is the inability to identify and contact the owner.
Microchips are Permanent
Most pet owners buy their dogs and cats collars and add a name tag with the pet’s name and their phone number. These are great, but they can easily break, fall off, or even the name or phone number can wear off of the tag over time. The microchip is permanent and can’t be separated from the pet.
Microchips Prove Ownership
In the event that your dog or cat is lost or stolen, the chip and it’s registration is definitive proof of ownership. This is particularly helpful in the case of stolen pets when ownership might be in dispute.
Microchips Increase Finding Your Pet
A chip greatly increases the likelihood that your pet will be returned to you if they are lost. Several recent studies show that cats with microchips are 20 times more likely to be returned to their owner and chipped dogs are returned 2.5 more than unchipped dogs. That’s a pretty significant difference and with over 10 million pets being lost each year, you want to do everything you can to ensure your pet finds its way back to your home.
Microchips Last Forever
Microchips last a lifetime, meaning that once implanted, you don’t have to worry about them. Although it is a good idea to have your vet scan your pet each year to guard against any malfunction.
In order for a microchip to work, you will need to register the microchip and keep your contact information up-to-date. Microchips are reliable and use nationwide registries, but they ultimately depend on the information that you give. So remember to update your information and provide multiple emergency contacts in case your pet gets lost while you are out of town.