Do you want your dog to be alone on the streets alone, scared and hungry? Of course, not. However, this is one of many scenarios that your dog might go through if you miss microchipping him.
If you haven’t microchipped your dog yet, there are some things that you should be aware of.
The main thing about microchipping is that there is a reason why this practice is so crucial.
Microchipping involves implanting a rice-sized chip between a pet’s shoulder blades and makes oen of the most popular – if not the most popular, way of microchipping.
This procedure is highly recommended by breeders, veterinarians, and animal rescue organizations.
In fact, this procedure is even a law in certain countries globally, such as Scotland, Ireland, and England.
Basically, if you miss microchipping your dog and the law demands it, you will have to pay a massive fine and even have classes on responsible pet ownership.
Below are the main reasons why you should microchip your dog.
Keeping Your Dog Safe
If you truly want to protect your dog, you need to microchip him. Did you know that May is “Chip Your Pet Month?”
If you ever thought about microchipping your dog, but never found enough time to do so, this is the month to do so.
Did you know that The American Humane Society estimates over 10 million dogs or cats are lost each year?
Sadly, the majority of lost pets never return home, no matter how well you scroll around the neighborhood, post posters, and use social media to find your Fido.
There are many reasons why dogs never return home, and not chopping them is usually the first issue – even if someone finds your dog, takes him to the vet and there is no microchip, your dog won’t be returned home.
It helps to have a name tag with basic info, but you should primarily microchip your dog – name tags can get lost, stuck somewhere, and simply fall off, making it difficult to return to Fido home.
Now, let’s see what a microchip actually is.
What Is Microchip?
Are you afraid that microchipping your dog could hurt him? If so, there is no need to think about it, since microchips are tiny computer chips, a size of a grain of rice.
They are usually implanted under a dog’s skin by a veterinarian using a large-bore needle without anesthesia, similar to a simple vaccination. Each microchip is unique.
In fact, every microchip carries a registration number that is linked with the owner’s name and contact information.
This info is added to a pet registry service offered by the chip manufacturer.
This information on the chip is used to identify the dog’s owner. Most shelters and veterinarians have these readers and can scan the pet and immediately contact the owner if the pet is lost.
The biggest downside here is that the readers are not universal. Therefore, it’s best to get your pet chipped with a common brand that is mostly used – this simple step increases teh chances of your dog returning to you.
Benefits Of Microchipping
Its common practice for pet owners to add a name tag with the pet’s name and their phone number on their collars, as a way to keep them safe.
This is a simple and great solution, but they are a bit outdated, and they can always get lost or stuck in something.
Plus, collars can be more of a menace when an animal is scared and can easily place the collar on something and tear it apart.
Also, if your dog is stolen, a thief can easily remove the collar, which isn’t the case with a microchip.
A chip always increases the likelihood that your dog will be returned to you if they are lost.
In fact, various studies claim that cats with microchips are 20 times more likely to be returned, while dogs are returned 2.5 more than unchipped dogs. It’s a significant difference, right?
Certain chip manufacturers are continually improving the chip’s capabilities and adding many other features and functionality.
By doing this they are actually increasing chances of finding your dog.
Last but not least, microchips last a lifetime. Once you implement a microchip, you don’t have to worry about it.
Still, it this a good idea to have your veterinarian scan your dog each year to guard against any malfunction.
10 Reasons Why You Should Get Your Dog Microchipped
There are many reasons why pet owners choose to microchip their pets, but the main reason should be their well-being.
If you have not microchipped your pet, here are ten straightforward reasons why you should microchip your dog.
- Microchipping is mandatory in some states
- Microchipping is safe for your pet
- Microchipping protects against theft and can return your dog fast
- Microchipping keeps the stress away, as it offers peace of mind
- Microchipping is a lifetime deal
- Microchipping is really affordable
- Microchipping is a fast procedure
- Microchipping takes the pressure off rescue centres
- Microchipping saves lives
- Microchipping promotes responsible pet ownership
Microchipping your dog isn’t enough. Just microchipping your dog isn’t enough, you need to register it with a national pet recovery database.
When you register your dog’s microchip, you should aim to enter all relevant contact information.
It’s useful to include both landline and cell phone numbers for you and anyone else in the household who is responsible for ownership.
Whenever possible you want to maximize the chances of your dog returning home.
Microchips Are Not A GPS Tracking Device
It’s important to note that GPS devices and microchips aren’t substituted for each other – they are more complementary. Truth be told, each is useful to locate a lost dog, just in different ways.
A GPS may tell you where your canine is, but cannot provide contact information to those nearby, who could keep your dog until you get to the spot, or could help return him home.
Plus, a GPS device requires batteries and can be easily lost, just like tags or a collar.
On the other hand, microchips are permanent, since they are inserted into a dog’s skin.
The biggest downside of microchips is that they can’t guide you to your dog’s location, but they can provide a way for you to be contacted easily – when someone finds your dog, all they have to do is to take him to the nearest veterinarian or shelter and they will contact you.
The Costs Of Microchipping A Pet
Microchipping is an affordable procedure. In fact, microchipping is cheap when you think about the benefits that you might be getting.
If the microchipping procedure is performed by your vet, it can cost you between $40 and $50.
Some may include the cost of an office visit. If that’s the case, you can do microchipping during a routine checkup.
There are some cheaper options – if you choose to implant a chip by a rescue group or an animal shelter.
Also, if you are adopting, you might get microchipping for free. Shelter animals are usually microchipped and when adoption finally happens they just switch the registration information to you.
What’s Your Final Decisions – Will You Have Your Pet Microchipped?
Being a dog owner means dealing with hard decisions all the time.
Pet ownership is all about caring for your dog – providing proper nutrition, keep him safe and loved, and creating an environment that promotes the dog’s happiness and health.
One big part of dog ownership is microchipping your dog. This is an easy and relatively inexpensive procedure, with many risks.
Are you willing to do everything to keep your dog safe and get him home as soon as possible in case he gets lost or stolen?
If so, you should microchip him as soon as your veterinarian gives you the green light – it will be worth every dollar.
Frequently Asked Questions On Microchipping Your Dog
1. How Much Does It Cost To Chip Your Dog?
The average cost of microchipping is $45. This is a one-time fee that mostly includes registration in a pet recovery database.
If you are adopting, your dog might already have a microchip that will be switch to your name.
2. What Are The Side Effects Of Microchipping A Dog?
There aren’t many downsides of microchipping a dog, in fact. The biggest issue is the migration of the chip from where it was originally implanted.
That’s why the veterinarian will scan the dog’s entire body to see if a microchip is perhaps moved to another body area. This isn’t harmful to the dog, but it can make chips harder to find.
3. Is It Safe To Put A Microchip In Your Dog?
Some cases of complications have been recorded, but it’s extremely rare. That’s why no law requires veterinarians to impact the chips.
Still, dog fanciers and others, recommend it. Just make sure that you find a veterinarian with experience.
