Microchipping a Pet - So a Lost Pet Can Find Their Way Home

Every pet owner's biggest fear is the thought of their pet running away... never to be found again. This is especially scary if your pet doesn't always wear their collar with an ID tag. However, it's possible to put this fear to rest with microchipping a pet! A microchip is a tiny computer chip that is implanted by an injection similar to a vaccine needle under the skin of your pet. The chip is made of biocompatible material that will not rust or cause an allergic reaction. It is completely safe and will not hurt your pet when it is inserted. The procedure is always done by a veterinarian.

All kinds of animals can be microchipped, including dogs, cats, birds, reptiles and horses. Each chip has a unique code that can be traced with a scanner. Your pet will most likely be connected to you in no time after the code has been scanned. Most veterinarians and shelters have these scanners, making it more convenient for you to locate your pet.

If you are adopting a pet from a shelter, chances are that the animal has been micro chipped. You will have to contact the company that made the microchip and register your new pet in their data base.

The only real downfall to microchips is that they cost a bit of money, most costing between $30 and $45, however, there may be additional costs depending on the company. It's possible to cut the cost if your pet is enrolled in a pet health insurance plan. Another downfall is that each microchip manufacturer maintains its own database. So if you register your pet with one manufacturer, but your veterinarian is registered with another, it may take a little longer to locate your pet. However, all scanners display the name of the microchip's manufacturer, making it easier to identify the animal.

Just because you get your pet microchipped doesn't mean they are completely protected from ever becoming lost though. You should always:

• Make sure he/she wears a collar with identification tags.

• Be aware of your surroundings and new environments.

• Make sure gates are closed and fences cannot be jumped over or... dug under.

Microchipping a pet is the most effective way to locate a lost pet. But as they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so make sure to take the necessary steps to keep your pet safe!

We love pets! Probioticsmart.com knows your pet deserves the very best care possible, and we're here to help. Visit our blog for more information, tips and stories on all things pet health. See you there!

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