Microchipping

Microchipping is as Important as Updating Your Information
Microchipping, many of us have done it for our pets as an extra measure to return them to us in the event they are lost or a natural disaster occurs. ​

If you are looking for the video version check out the link at the end!
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Just a brief summary for anyone not
familiar with having your pet microchipped and what it does.  It is implanted under your pet’s skin in the area between their shoulder blades.  The actual chip is approximately the size of a grain of rice. 

Photo courtesy of
www.freepetchipregistry.com

​When a microchip scanner/reader is passed over your pet it picks up a code.  This code is specific to your pet. The Veterinarian, impound facility or rescue is then able to call the company or input the information in online.  This will get them in touch with the company and give them your contact information to call and tell you they have your pet.

At Lakes Veterinary Hospital we partner with AKC Reunite for our chips and will even register them online for you. https://www.akcreunite.org/

What many of us forget is that in the event we move or our alternate contacts change we need to update this information with the chip company where our pet is registered.

​As someone that has worked at a Humane Society I can personally attest to the importance of not only registering your chip (if you don’t it goes back to the organization or breeder that implanted it and good luck tracking your information from there),  but having your current information on record.  If you don’t organization can’t track you down either.  Now your pet is in the rescue system and you may never see them again.  It only takes a few minutes to update this information, so please make sure that when you are updating your information to add your pet’s microchip to the list to check off. 

Anyone that finds a pet with an unenrolled microchip can enroll the pet in their name and keep the pet as their own. Only with the microchip ID linked to your personal contact information do you have peace of mind in knowing that AKC Reunite can help with the safe return of your pet to you. Don’t take of the risk not being reunited with your pet!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgrUmAIKJHs
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Photo courtesy of www.akcreunite.org​

By Ericka Veterinary Technician with Lakes Veterinary Hospital
 Thanks to Blog Master Ashley for putting together the information and photos