Microchipping

Imagine if your dog or cat got lost. You want to give him or her the best chance of coming back home. With microchipping, you can! To learn more, call us at 705-692-4446.

What is microchipping for dogs and cats?

Microchipping is a safe, permanent way to identify your pet in case they become lost. A microchip, which is a tiny device about the size and shape of a grain of rice, is placed just under the loose skin at the back of the neck. When a lost dog or cat without an ID tag is found, a veterinarian or veterinary technician will use a handheld microchip scanner to check for a chip. If the pet has one, it will transmit its ID number to the scanner via a low-frequency radio wave. The veterinary hospital or shelter then calls the chip manufacturer, retrieves the pet owner’s contact information, and calls the owner.

Do you recommend my cat or dog get microchipped?

Even the most responsible pet owners can’t always guarantee their pets won’t get lost. A leash could break or slip out of your hand, a pet could push through a screen door or window, or a friend might accidentally leave a door or gate open.

We recommend you use a microchip, along with a collar and ID tag, to identify your pet. An ID tag is still a reliable identification method. Pets that have tags with current contact information are more likely to not end up in shelters and tend to get home faster than those without tags. Be that as it may, collars and ID tags aren’t permanent and can be mistakenly removed. With a microchip, your pet will have a much better chance of being identified and returned to you. Pets without microchips that end up in shelters may be adopted out to another family or euthanized.

Is microchipping painful for dogs and cats?

Microchipping is a relatively quick and simple procedure that is generally not painful for pets. It involves inserting a small microchip, about the size of a grain of rice, under the skin between the shoulder blades. Some pets may experience a slight pinching sensation during the insertion, but it is generally well-tolerated. The procedure is similar to receiving a vaccination or a routine injection. The benefits of microchipping, such as the increased chances of being reunited with a lost pet, far outweigh temporary discomfort.