Microchip Identification
What is Microchip Identification?
You want to do everything to keep your furry friend happy and healthy. Yet even the most diligent pet owners face unexpected challenges. Against your best planning, pets of all kinds can slip away and get lost, leaving you a worried mess. Blue Lake Animal Hospital helps you prepare for the worst by microchipping your cat or dog. Microchip identification can help you reunite with your pet if it escapes or becomes lost, providing you with comfort and security. Here’s what you should know about microchipping.
Every pet owner deserves peace of mind. Knowing your pet can be identified if lost takes the pressure off your shoulders. With microchip identification, your animal receives a unique ID that is used to identify it via a special recovery system. A microchip helps immensely in finding your pet should it arrive at a shelter or be found by someone. You’ll be able to identify your pet and prevent it from being taken by the wrong person.
The microchipping process is quite simple. We will insert a device the size of a grain of rice under the surface of your pet’s skin. The device cannot be removed. The procedure doesn’t involve anesthesia or surgery, so there’s minimal discomfort. Your pet will quickly recover and feel normal soon afterward.
FAQs About Microchip Identification for Pets in Michigan
How long does the microchipping procedure take?
The procedure itself is incredibly fast, taking only a few seconds. It is as quick and simple as administering a routine vaccination. You can even have it done during a regular wellness visit.
Can a microchip ever "wear out" or stop working?
The microchip is designed to last for your pet’s entire lifetime. Because it has no battery and is made of durable materials, it will never expire, run out of power, or need to be replaced.
How does a microchip help if my pet is found and taken to a shelter?
In many cases, it is standard procedure for animal shelters and veterinary clinics to scan every found pet for a microchip. Once scanned, they can contact the recovery service with the ID number, and the service will then contact you immediately. This is why keeping your information up to date in the recovery system is crucial.
My pet always wears a collar with tags. Do they still need a microchip?
Collars and tags are very important, but they can break, fall off, or be removed. A microchip is a permanent, unchangeable form of identification that provides a reliable backup if your pet’s tags are lost.
How can I check if my pet's microchip is working?
We can easily check for you! During your pet’s annual wellness exam, we can scan the microchip to ensure it is still readable and in the correct location, giving you continued peace of mind.
