According to Home Again, one in three pets in the United States will become lost at some point during their lifetime. You may think this will never happen to your family, but we encourage you to take the necessary, proactive steps to ensure your pet’s safety. One of the most effective solutions is microchipping your pet.

What is a Pet Microchip?

While many pet owners know to properly identify their pet with a collar and a tag, microchipping your pet adds that needed extra layer of security. Microchipping your pet is not meant to replace a collar and a tag, but to compliment it. Microchips are placed under the skin of your pet and are roughly the size of a grain of rice. The placement of the chip under the skin is important because if placed properly, it is tamper-proof and accident-proof. Unlike collars and tags that are easily removable, a microchip is a permanent solution to protect your pet.

Why Should I Microchip My Pet?

The reality is that pets who are microchipped are more likely to be returned home. Studies have shown that the likelihood and efficiency of reuniting a pet with their owner is drastically increased when a pet is microchipped. Pets can be easily mistaken and therefore, ownership disputes are common. By having your pet microchipped, this settles such disputes quickly because your personal information is attached to it.

How Do Pet Microchips Work?

Getting your pet microchipped is no different than taking them in for a vaccine; it is a quick and painless process! The microchip itself is very tiny and enclosed in a glass capsule that is usually placed between the shoulder blades. Once it has been inserted, there is no required maintenance after that, your pet is all set.

Each microchip possesses two vital pieces of information: a unique reference number and the name of the chip provider. When a pet is found, they are then scanned by a vet, shelter, or any other animal facility, for a chip using an RFID scanner. The scanner will activate the chip and display the information that was provided on the scanner. From there, the person who has scanned the animal can then contact the chip provider to obtain the pet owner’s information that is attached to that unique reference number.

How Secure Are My Personal Details?

Some may question the safety and security of their personal information when they give it to the microchip provider, but rest assured, providers value your privacy and therefore invest large sums to protect your information. Many protocols and security systems are in place to ensure that no unauthorized users can access private information. You will find that when you provide your information for the chip, there are many security questions and parameters that you must complete. How much and what information that you volunteer to the provider is up to your discretion; many only provide name, city and contact number.

Is Pet Microchipping Safe?

Experts agree that the benefits of microchipping animals far outweigh the minuscule risks attached to the process of a securely implanted device.

To ensure your pet is returned to you if they get lost, request an appointment with one of our veterinarians at [hospital name] to get your pet microchipped. Phillips Creek Veterinary Hospital proudly services the pets in Frisco, Texas. Give us a call at (214) 618-8180 if you have any questions.