Microchipping has become increasingly popular over the years in veterinary medicine because it is such a wonderful tool to help reunite lost pets with their owners. In recent years, think about all of the major storms we have had and how many pets have been lost to their owners due to dire circumstances. For the person who has lost everything, finding their pet is one of the greatest gifts indeed.
What is the microchip? It is a small electronic chip embedded with a number that gets implanted between the shoulder blades of your pet. At Veterinary Associates of Cape Cod we often implant the chips while they are anesthetized for their spay or neuter procedure; this ensures they do not feel a thing. Each number is unique and specific to that pet.
But it doesn't stop there, perhaps the most important part about microchipping your pet is to register with the online database. This is something the owner must do when they get home. At our hospital we do a thorough patient discharge with the client for the surgery and we also go over all of the microchip information and the importance of registering your pet online. This step is crucial because at Veterinary Associates of Cape Cod we have the pet's microchip number in our files, but they are not yet in the online database. The online database is whats going to allow for your pet to have the best chance of being reunited with you should they get lost. This way anyone who finds your pet can bring him or her to the nearest shelter or clinic where they can be scanned for a microchip. Then all the clinic workers have to do is search the online database for that pet's microchip number and the owner's information will be readily available.
Registering your pet is incredibly easy. It can be done online if you have Internet access or over the phone if you do not. It only takes 5 to 10 minutes and all you have to do is create an account with your name, address, and the best phone number to reach you. It is best for the owner to do this at home because they can provide the most accurate information should their pet be lost.
If you have further questions about getting your pet microchipped you can visit the PetLink website at www.petlink.net, or simply give us a call at 508-394-3566 and one of our certified veterinary technicians will be happy to answer any questions!
