What is a microchip? Microchips are tiny chips about the size of a grain of rice that contain a unique identifying number. Veterinarians and shelters use a hand-held scanner to find the microchip under the skin of the pet and read the number.
Why microchip? Unlike collars and tags that can be lost and tattoos that may fade, microchips are a permanent ID that cannot be lost and never wears out. Most animal shelters and many veterinarians scan stray pets for microchips, which contain a unique number registered in a national database. Through this database, lost pets can be reunited with their families. In addition, pets that travel to foreign countries are often required to have a specific, international standard (also called ISO) microchip placed for identification purposes.
Who can be microchipped? Microchips can be implanted into cats and dogs of any age and size.
How is the microchip implanted? Your veterinarian implants the microchip under the skin over the back of the neck, between the shoulder blades, using a needle similar to the kind used to give vaccinations. Once inserted under the skin, the chip is safe from weather, erosion, and theft. It cannot be seen and has no battery. Once your pet has the microchip implanted, you then access the online database to register your pet's number and your contact information.
How do I get my pet microchipped? Just ask! At South Putnam Animal Hospital we use ResQ international standard (ISO) microchips. They can be implanted at any time - during a regular appointment or when a pet is anesthetized for another procedure. Many owners decide to have their pets microchipped when they are spayed or neutered. Before implanting the chip, we will first scan your pet to make sure they don't already have one - our scanner reads all brands of microchips. Once microchipped, your pet will have better chance at getting home if ever lost.