Has your pet been microchipped yet? If not, you’ll want to see to this as soon as possible. Microchips are very small, but they are absolutely crucial. That tiny device may not be any bigger than a grain of rice, but it could one day save your pet’s life! A local Kerrville TX vet discusses microchips in this article.

How Microchips Work

Microchips don’t transmit pets’ locations. Nor do they store your pet’s medical records, though some manufacturers may offer options for storing it on their end. Chips only transmit one thing: a unique ID number. Shelter staff and veterinarians use these to check lost pets.

Why Chips Are Important  

Microchips form an invisible lifeline between lost pets and their worried humans. Every year, they help reunite thousands of missing dogs and cats with their owners. In some cases, those reunions come years after hope seems to be lost! We can’t stress enough how important that chip could be in a worst-case scenario.

The Procedure

Getting your furry buddy microchipped is a very quick and simple process. The chip is placed under your pet’s skin, typically between the shoulder blades. Your vet will use a hypodermic needle for this. For Fido and Fluffy it’s not very different from getting a shot. Many people opt to do this along with spay/neuter surgery, but you can also schedule it on its own.

Records

The chip itself is only part of the equation here. You’ll need to complete your records in the chipmaker’s database. It’s essential for the correct contact information to be associated with the account. The chip won’t do any good if no one can reach you! Remember to update this information if you move or change your phone number. (Tip: try using the Universal Pet Microchip Lookup here to check your records.)

Perks

One thing you may want to look into are perks. Many manufacturers offer helpful extras, such as phone trees or tips for finding a lost pet. There are also various products, such as pet doors and feeding dishes that work with a pet’s microchip.

Upkeep

Microchips don’t need any maintenance, and you don’t have to worry about system upgrades. However, we do recommend having your pet’s chip checked regularly, to ensure that it has not moved or stopped functioning. This is easy to work into your furry pal’s regular veterinary appointments.

Do you need to get your pet microchipped? Contact us, your local Kerrville TX animal clinic, today!