The Importance of Microchipping Your Pet in St. Paul, MN

When it comes to pet ownership, microchipping is one of the most important things a pet owner can do. Microchipping is a simple and relatively inexpensive process that can help ensure that pets are reunited with their owners should they become lost or stolen.

A microchip is a tiny device that is inserted under the skin of a pet. It contains a unique identification number that is registered to the pet’s owner. If a lost pet is found, a vet or animal shelter can scan the microchip to retrieve the owner’s contact information. This can help make the process of reuniting the pet with its owner much easier and faster. In addition to helping lost pets find their way home, microchipping can also be used to help verify a pet’s identity and ownership. This can be especially useful in cases where a pet is stolen and the thief attempts to pass the pet off as their own.

The process of microchipping a pet is straightforward. First, the pet will need to be taken to a veterinarian or animal shelter to have the microchip inserted. The procedure can be done while the pet is awake or is often paired with another procedure being done under anesthesia. It is relatively painless and most pets seem to tolerate it well, even when awake.

After the microchip is inserted, the pet’s owner will need to register the microchip with the manufacturer of the chip. This involves providing contact information, such as the owner’s name, address, and phone number. This information is then stored in the manufacturer’s database and is accessible to anyone who scans the chip. Once the microchip is registered, it is important that the pet owner keep their contact information up to date. This is important in case the pet is ever lost or stolen and needs to be reunited with its owner. It is also important to make sure that the microchip is registered to the correct owner. In some cases, a pet may be stolen and the thief will attempt to register the chip to their own name. To prevent this, it is important that pet owners keep their contact information up to date.

It is also important to note that microchips are not a replacement for traditional forms of identification such as collars and tags. A microchip is not visible and cannot be seen by anyone scanning the pet. Therefore, it is important that pets still wear a collar with a tag that includes the pet’s name and the owner’s contact information. This will make it easier for someone who might not have a microchip scanner to identify the pet and contact the owner if the pet is found.

However, it is important to note that microchips do not work like GPS and cannot be used to track a pet’s location. To have the ability to track your pet in real time, GPS collars and devices like Fi Dog Collars and Apple Airtags can be used. A combination of a GPS device/collar and a microchip provide the best way to be united with your pet should they ever be lost.

If you would like to get your dog microchipped, reach out to us to schedule an appointment.