Why Microchips Are Important For Your Pet
So, you’ve just brought a new family member home, or you’ve had a furry companion for a while now. No matter how long your fluffy friend has been in your life, chances are you want to keep them around! Should they sneak out or find a way to get lost, a microchip can be the key component that reunites you with your beloved pet.
What is a Microchip?
A microchip is a small device (the size of a grain of rice) that is inserted under a pet’s skin, usually in the back of their neck. It contains your information electronically, through a linked website where you can keep your information up to date. Animal shelters, most veterinarians and many police departments have special scanners. So, when an unidentified pet comes into the facility, a quick scan will reveal if there is a chip. If someone finds a chip, the contact information will pop up. Then, they can facilitate a reunion immediately.
Where To Get a Microchip?
Veterinarians can insert microchips, or, during a special microchip clinic like the one we are hosting at AWS in June. The insertion process is painless and only takes a few minutes. If you are unsure if your pet has a microchip, or if you would like to get one, please call AWS Community Veterinary Clinic. Our team of veterinarians and licensed veterinary technicians can insert a chip during a wellness visit or procedure. Please call the Clinic at (207) 292-2424 to schedule.
*All dogs and cats adopted from AWS already have a microchip as part of the adoption fee. At adoption, AWS counselors instruct the new pet’s owner on how to enter the proper contact information so that if their pet becomes lost, their information will be listed.
Important Microchip Facts
- Microchips are not GPS trackers.
- A common misconception about microchips is that they work as GPS trackers on your pet, tracking every movement they make. Rather, a microchip allows your local Animal Control Officer or shelter to find your contact information with a quick scan and make a swift reunion!
- A microchip is more reliable than a tag on a collar.
- While a tag is useful for identifying an animal, a chip is more effective. If they get out without their collar or slip free, finders will have a hard time identifying them. Having a chip means that there is a more reliable way to connect you and your pet again!
- You have to register the chip.
- When adopting or having a microchip inserted by your veterinarian, the microchip needs to be registered by you to you! As mentioned above, AWS’ adoption process will help you with this, but be sure to register and keep your contact information as up to date as possible!
- They help save space at local shelters.
- With how quickly a microchip can reunite you with your pet, that means there is more space in the kennels in your local shelter (like AWS), used for animals that need their care! The faster staff reunite a lost pet, they can clean the kennel for the next pet in need!
- AWS hosts FREE Microchip and Rabies Vaccine Clinics.
- We are holding our next clinic in October, and we welcome you to attend (RSVP will open in mid-September). Additionally, our Community Veterinary Clinic is accepting new patients. If you would like to establish your pet’s care with us, we would be happy to schedule a wellness appointment. During wellness appointments, pets can receive vaccines and/or a microchip. To learn more about being a client of our clinic, please visit our website. Ready to become a client? Start with filling out our new patient form.
Have you and your pet been reunited because of a microchip? Do you have a happy homes story you’d like to share about the importance of microchipping? Share it with us!
