Identification of Your Pet
There are many ways to identify your best friend just in case they become lost. Our office gets many calls each month from pet owners looking for their lost companion. Most people rely on a rabies tag or personalized tag which affixes to the pet’s collar. The problem with this method is that collars are easily lost or removed. Another method of identification is tattooing the pet. The problem with this method is the serial number does not easily identify the pet owner with local clinics or animal shelters. The most reliable and easiest method of identification is via the microchip.
Microchipping is a safe and painless procedure. We place a topical anesthetic on the skin between the pet’s shoulder blades. The microchip is manufactured in an administration syringe and injected under the skin. This procedure is very quick and similar to the pet receiving a vaccine. After the microchip is placed, a special scanner is used to read the number inside the microchip. This number registers the pet to the clinic who placed the microchip. Essentially, every clinic and animal shelter have a scanner and is the first thing which is performed when stray pets are rescued. The microchip is permanent (unless the owner wishes to have it removed) and accurate.
A few months ago, the news ran a story on a pet in the Panama City area which was returned to its rightful owner after 7 years. The pet wondered away from its home and was rescued by a couple from out of state whom at the time was vacationing in the area. Unable to locate the owner, the couple took the pet home to Ohio. Years later, this couple returned with the pet to visit Panama City for a few days. While visiting, the pet became lost and was picked up by the local animal shelter. The pet was scanned, identified and returned to the rightful owner. Therefore, it is easy to see why microchipping your pet is a smart move.
If you have any questions regarding microchipping you pet, please don’t hesitate to call the office.
