Microchipping Your Pet

Has your pet been microchipped? If not, we strongly advise you to get this simple procedure taken care of as soon as possible. Getting your furry friend microchipped is a quick and easy precaution that could possibly one day save your beloved pet’s life. In this article, an Omaha, NE veterinarian discusses this important precaution.

Why Microchip

If your pet is ever lost or stolen, a microchip may be the only link connecting you and your beloved furbaby. Most shelters scan pets for chips at intake, and attempt to contact owners. Having a microchip greatly increases the chances of you and your four-legged buddy being reunited, should your pet ever get lost. Also, if your furry pal is ever stolen, that tiny chip may be the only way to legally prove ownership in court.

How Microchips Work

A microchip doesn’t actually transmit data. Each chip contains only a unique identification number, which can be read with scanners used by vets and animal shelters. The ID number will correlate to your furry buddy’s records in the manufacturer’s database. This is how pets can be matched with their owners, even after long separations.

Getting The Microchip

Microchipping is a quick, simple procedure that can be worked into any veterinary appointment. Using a hypodermic needle, your vet will inject the chip beneath your pet’s skin, generally between the shoulder blades. For your pet, this is very much like getting a shot.

Record Maintenance

Once your pet has been microchipped, you’ll need to fill out your records. It’s very important to update your information any time you move or change contact information. If your furball has already been microchipped, and you have that ID number, you can check the AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup Tool. This site contains the records for most of the major microchip manufacturers. We also recommend having your vet check the chip during your pet’s regular appointments, to make sure it hasn’t moved or malfunctioned.

Going Forward

As technology continues to develop, it’s very likely that microchips will also become more advanced. Someday, we may see GPS technology or more elaborate record storage integrated with microchips. In some areas, microchips may even become mandatory. Regardless of what the future brings, however, we strongly advise that all pets be microchipped right away.

Does your pet need a microchip? Please contact us, your Omaha, NE animal hospital, anytime!