ID Microchipping
Identification microchips are a valuable tool in returning lost and stolen pets to their owners. PawSteps Veterinary Center recommends that all cats and dogs receive identification micro-chips. These chips are tiny, rice-sized devices that contain valuable identification information to help your lost pet find its way home. The microchip is easily placed during an office visit, or during your pet's spay or neuter procedure. The tiny chip is implanted under the skin near the shoulder blades. The procedure is performed using a special needle and syringe, so the sensation felt by your pet is similar to receiving a vaccination. In literally seconds, your pet receives an identification chip that lasts a lifetime. The microchip remains under the skin and is a permanent means to identify your pet. Each animal receives its own, unique, traceable number. The chips are readable with a small hand-held scanner that allows the information to be retrieved immediately and lets your pet be traced back to your home.
It is an unfortunate fact of life that pets, even those that live indoors only, can be lost and stolen. It is another unfortunate fact that many of these pets are not reunited with their owners because the animals lack identification. Pets with identification can be returned; those that do not often end up in animal shelters. Because veterinarians and animal shelters routinely scan for microchips, your pet has a much better chance of being returned to you if the animal carries a microchip. These microchips should be used in conjunction with identification tags and collars to create an identification system for your pets. Identification tags work well because they are immediately readable; microchips work well because they cannot be removed or lost. Together, identification tags and microchips create an identification system which dramatically increases the chances that a lost pet will find its way home.
