Microchip FAQ
Microchips help reunite thousands of lost pets and their families every year, but what exactly are they? Here are some FAQs about the importance of pet microchips!
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A microchip is a small device (about the size of a grain of rice) that is inserted under a pet’s skin, usually in the back of their neck. A microchip contains contact information similar to what you engrave on your pet’s tag, should they ever get lost. As tags often fall off and pets accidentally get out of the house without wearing a collar, a microchip ensures you can be located if your pet is found. A common misconception is that a microchip is like a GPS tracker, which will track the path your missing pet takes every step of the way. While this is not the case, a microchip is still a crucial part of a swift reunion for a lost pet since once itβs found, the beloved familyβs information is immediately known upon scanning.
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A microchip contains your contact information electronically. Though a linked website, you can keep your information up-to-date. All animal shelters, most veterinarians, and many police departments have special microchip scanners. When an unidentified pet comes into the facility, a quick scan will reveal if there is a chip. If a chip is found, the contact information will pop up and a reunion can be facilitated immediately.
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Microchips can be inserted at a veterinarianβs office. Itβs a painless procedure that takes only a few minutes.
All dogs and cats adopted from AWS already have a microchip as part of the adoption fee. At adoption, AWS counselors instruct the petβs new owner on how to enter the proper contact information so that if their pet becomes lost, their information will be listed rather than ours. If you are unsure if your pet has a microchip, or if you would like your pet to get one, please call the Community Veterinary Clinic here at AWS at (207) 292-2424.Β
