Call 904-337-0076 (Westside) or 904-694-0541 (Beaches) | 904-566-9646 (Mobile)

June is National Microchip Month, and there’s never been a better time than the present to protect your pets.  According to Fetch by WebMD, approximately eight million animals wind up in shelters each year.  Sadly, 15 to 20 percent of dogs and less than two percent of cats ever find their way home from the shelter.  Those that are reunited is due in large part to the presence of a microchip, which can last up to 25 years and keeps your pet from becoming a statistic.

What is a Microchip?

A Microchip is a small, electronic chips that is enclosed in a small glass cylinder.  It’s about the size of a grain of rice.  The microchip doesn’t contain a battery, instead it is activated by radio waves put out by a scanner when it’s waved over the animal.  The chip transmits an identification number to the scanner, which displays a number on the scanner’s screen. 

What’s Involved in Microchipping Your Pet?

Just like giving your pets a shot, your veterinarian uses a needle to place the microchip under the animal’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades.  It takes about the same amount of time to complete the procedure as it does to give a vaccine–in seconds it’s all over.  It typically takes more time to fill out the paperwork than it does to implant the chip.  Your pet will feel a little pinch, the needle is about the same size as ones used to draw blood.  The pet’s subcutaneous tissue usually bonds to the chip within 24 hours, preventing it from moving.  There’s an extremely small chance microchips can migrate to other parts of the body, but it can’t actually get lost.

Are Dogs and Cats the Only Pets That Can Be Microchipped?

Although Jacksonville Community Pet Clinics only treat dogs and cats, many types of animals can be microchipped by other vets.  Those animals include horses, dogs, cats, ferrets, and most other mammals.  Some livestock ranchers use microchips in cattle that not only identify them as part of that ranch, but can also transmit body temperature–an important indicator of overall bovine health.

Microchipping a rabbit

What Type of Information is Stored on the Microchip?

Typically, most vets and pet owners register the name of the pet, name of the owner, physical address, and telephone number to aid in contacting you should your pet be found. The number associated with your pet’s microchip is registered into a national registry, such as American Animal Hospital Association’s national registry, either by you or your vet at the time the chip is implanted.  There are also third-party search companies, such as www.foundanimals.org and www.petmicrochipregistration.com, where you can enter the information you want to help identify your pet in case it’s lost.  At this time, medical records aren’t included on the chip. 

Do Microchips Replace the Need for Pet ID Tags?

Microchips should never replace tags and collars since they require a special scanner to access the information.  An animal shelter or veterinary clinic would have such a scanner, but chances are your neighbor down the street doesn’t.  They are also not foolproof.  Universal scanners should be able to detect a competing company’s chip, but may not be able to read the data.  And there’s always the chance of human error, the scanner may not be used properly, resulting in failure to detect the chip.

When Should I Change My Microchip Registry Data?

Whenever you move it’s important to go to the registry and update the information with new address and phone number if applicable.  If you adopt an animal with a microchip, it’s important to change the information as soon as possible so the former owner isn’t contacted in case your pet gets lost. 

Who Does the Microchipping?

Usually, your veterinarian can microchip your pets. In some cases, rescue pets also leave the shelter with a microchip as well.  Your vet can not only implant the microchip, but help guide you on how to register your fur baby’s chip number. 

The veterinarians as Jacksonville Community Pet Clinic strongly encourage all of their pet owners to microchip their animals.  Nothing is more frightening than losing a pet and it’s simply the best way to reunite you should you get separated.  Although anesthesia is not needed for microchipping, if you’re having your pet spayed or neutered or having their dental work done, that can be a great time to microchip them while they are under.  Another good time is when they’re getting their puppy or kitten shots, or annual vaccines for adult pets. The earlier your pet is microchipped, the more peace-of-mind you’ll feel.