Microchipping is a safe, permanent way to identify your pet if they ever get lost. Even the most responsible and careful pet owners can’t always guarantee their pet won’t go missing. It only takes a moment for them to break away from a leash or run out of an open gate. Microchipping gives your pet the best chance of being recovered and brought back home.
Is a microchip visible once it’s implanted?
A microchip is only detectable with a handheld device after it’s implanted under your pet’s skin, usually between their shoulder blades. The small device is no bigger than a grain of rice. When a lost dog is brought into our hospital or a shelter, one of the first things we do is use our handheld scanner to detect a chip. If the pet has one, it transmits a low-frequency radio wave that displays an ID number. Next, we contact the chip’s manufacturer so the pet recovery process can be set in motion. This ends with contacting the owner and reuniting them with their pet. In addition to dogs and cats, we can also microchip ferrets, rabbits, birds, and other companion animals. To book an appointment, please contact us at 613-258-5745.
Do you still recommend collars if my pet has a microchip?
We recommend microchips along with collars and ID tags. Tags are still a reliable form of pet ID, though they shouldn’t be the only one you rely on. Since they can easily be removed or lost, microchips are the best option. However, pets that have tags with current contact information are more likely to not end up in shelters and make it home faster.
What else do I need to do after my pet’s microchip is implanted?
Since microchips don’t require an external power source, they last your pet’s entire lifetime. If you’re concerned if the chip is still working, we can use our handheld scanner to detect its radio frequency. The most important thing you can do is to ensure you keep your contact information up-to-date. Whenever you move or change your phone number, please provide it to your pet’s microchip manufacturer.
