Pet Microchipping
Despite keeping a close watch on your pet, they may occasionally slip out, wander too far, and become lost. In such situations, having your pet microchipped greatly increases the chances of finding and returning them to you. If you’re looking for a veterinarian in or near Reisterstown, MD, and are considering microchipping your pet, reach out to our team at TLC for Pets.
How Does Microchipping Work?
Pet microchips are embedded in small capsules about the size of a grain of rice and contain a passive radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. The chip itself is not powered and does not emit a signal; it only responds when scanned by an RFID reader. A veterinarian or pet care professional with an appropriate scanner can read the unique identification number on the microchip, which is linked to your contact information in a database. This allows them to contact you quickly and facilitate the safe return of your pet.
Implanting the Microchip
Microchipping involves a quick and virtually painless procedure, similar to a routine injection. The veterinarian gently lifts the skin between your pet’s shoulder blades to insert the microchip under the skin. After implantation, the vet will scan the microchip to ensure it’s functioning correctly and accurately.
The Benefits of Microchipping
Microchipping is only effective if your contact information in the database is kept up to date. For this reason, it’s crucial for pet owners to regularly update their information, especially after moving or changing a phone number or email address. Identity safeguards protect these databases, and you control the details you choose to share. Every year on August 15, "Check the Chip Day" reminds pet owners to verify that their contact information is current.
Animal shelters, humane societies, and veterinarians are equipped with scanners that can read pet microchips and are authorized to access the microchip databases. This means any lost pet brought into their facility can be scanned, and if your contact information matches the microchip number, they can reach out to you directly. Microchips are highly reliable; they don’t fall off or get lost as collar tags might. This makes them one of the most secure options for helping reunite lost pets with their families.
Learn More about Microchipping at TLC for Pets
If you live in or near Reisterstown, MD, and are seeking a veterinarian near you, consider TLC for Pets for your pet’s microchipping needs. Call us at 410-833-1717 or use our online request form to schedule an appointment.