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The Importance of a Microchip

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March 30, 2017
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Did you know the American Humane Association estimates that over 10 million dogs and cats are lost or stolen in the U.S. every year? Woah. That’s a lot of companion animals and their families separated and scared. It’s statistics like this that remind us just how important it is to microchip your pet. Mirochipping substantially increases the likelihood of your pet coming home by offering secure, reliable and permanent identification.

We wanted to provide some commonly asked questions about microchips and even debunk some misconceptions about your pet’s microchip.

  1. A microchip implant will hurt my pet. This is not true. The procedure to implant a microchip is simple, quick and very similar to giving your dog or cat a vaccine or routine shot.
  2. A microchip is like a GPS and will tell me how to locate my pet. This is also not true. Microchips are Radio-frequency identification implants that provide permanent identification for your pet. Unlike a GPS, a microchip does not need a power source and will actually last for the lifetime of your pet.
  3. You may think because your pet has a collar and tag, it doesn’t need a microchip. While a collar and identification tag with a phone number or address is important, tags and collars can fall off or fade, while a microchip is permanent.
  4. Aren’t microchips expensive? A microchip is not expensive at all. Here at Ark-Valley Humane Society, we microchip every animal prior to adoption and even offer microchipping for your pet here at the shelter.
  5. Remember, getting your pet microchipped is only the first step in ensuring their return home if lost. The second and equally important step is to register your microchip in a database and keeping your contact information up to date in an event that you move or get a new phone number.

We’re happy to announce that Ark-Valley Humane Society is teaming up with Dr. Gastellum of At Home Pet Doctor to provide FREE microchips to the public at the Home and Garden Show in Salida Saturday and Sunday, April 29th and 30th. Even if you’re unsure, we welcome any and all questions about microchips and look forward to seeing you there!

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