Permanent Identification (Microchipping)

Lost pets are one of the most frightening experiences you can have as a pet owner. Statistics show that one of every three pets will become lost at some point in its lifetime, and many of them will never find their way home because there is no way to identify the owner. Even scarier...a large number of those pets end up in animal shelters where they could be euthanized if the owner is not found.

While collars and name tags are helpful, they are easily lost or removed. A microchip implanted in your pet is a way to permanently identify your ownership and greatly improve the chances of being reunited with them.

At Toebeans & Tails Veterinary Hospital, your dogs and cats are part of the family — yours and ours — so we recommend this quick and non-invasive procedure for all pets. Microchips are inexpensive, about the size and shape of a grain of rice, and can be inserted during a brief office visit. Although very few pets experience them, possible side effects include migration of the microchip from its original implantation site, failure of the microchip, hair loss, mild infections, and swelling. 

Each microchip has a unique number, which is added to a national registry along with your contact information. Most veterinarians and animal shelters have electronic scanners for detecting and reading these implanted microchips. If your pet becomes lost, anyone who finds them can have them scanned for the chip so you can be quickly located and contacted. It's vital that you keep the chip registry updated with your current contact information.

Microchips are not GPS devices and they don’t provide real-time tracking. But, they are still the best way to help a lost pet get back to you safely!

If you’d like to learn more or to schedule your furry friend to receive a microchip, give us a call.