Veterinary Wellness Blog

August 15th is Check the Chip Day!

August 1, 2014

According to HomeAgain, 1 in 3 pets will go missing in it’s lifetime.  Without identification, up to 90% of these pets may not find their way back home.  While tags are a good idea, collars can slip off, may be taken off at certain times, or tags could be lost.  A microchip is a permanent and safe way to identify your pet.

Microchipping involves placing a small, about the size of a grain of rice, identification implant between the shoulder blades of your pet.  This microchip contains a number that is readable by scanners at veterinary clinics, impounds, rescues, and shelters.

A microchip must be registered to be useful however.  When implanted, the microchip only contains the number.  You have to contact the company to add your phone number, email, address, and/or other personal information.  This vital step allows you to be reached if your pet is found.

August 15th is check the chip day.  This day was created by a partnership between AVMA and AAHA to help remind owners of the importance of microchips.

Important things to remember to do on check the chip day (or any other day for that matter!):

• Get your pet microchipped if they aren’t already
• At your yearly examination, have the vet check the microchip to make sure it is still present and in working order
• Most importantly-update your contact information with the microchip company!  Any time you move or get a new phone number or email, this information should be updated with the microchip company.

If you would like to get your pet microchipped or have further questions about the process, please call us today.