The Unexpected benefits of Microchip for Your Pet

The Unexpected benefits of Microchip for Your Pet
August 20, 2023 Minh Ngo
In News

Each year thousands of lost and abandoned animals are taken in by shelters and humane societies across North America. Some of these animals never make it home because they can’t be identified.

I. Introduction

A. Definition of Microchipping for Pets

Microchipping is a safe and effective method of identifying pets by implanting a tiny, rice-sized microchip under their skin, typically between the shoulder blades. Each microchip contains a unique identification number that can be read by a compatible scanner. This number is then linked to a database that stores essential information about the pet, such as its owner’s contact details and medical history. Microchipping is a permanent form of identification and serves as a lifeline for lost or missing pets, significantly increasing their chances of being reunited with their loving owners.

B. Importance of Microchipping in Reuniting Lost Pets with Their Owners

According to various studies, millions of pets go missing each year, and a significant percentage of them end up in animal shelters or are never found. However, pets with microchips have a substantially higher chance of being returned to their homes. When a lost pet is found, animal shelters, veterinarians, or animal control agencies can use a microchip scanner to read the embedded ID number. This number can then be used to access the pet’s owner’s contact information from the centralized database. As a result, microchipping has revolutionized the process of reuniting lost pets with their distraught owners, offering a ray of hope in what can be an otherwise distressing situation.

II. Understanding Microchipping

A. Explanation of What a Microchip Is and How It Works

Microchipping Your Dog | VCA Animal Hospital | VCA Animal Hospitals

A microchip is a small electronic device encased in biocompatible glass or polymer. It contains a unique alphanumeric code that acts as an identifier for the pet. The technology used in these chips does not require a power source or battery, as it relies on radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. When a microchip scanner is passed over the pet’s body, it emits a low-frequency radio signal that activates the microchip. The chip then transmits its ID number back to the scanner, which displays the code on its screen. This number serves as the key to accessing the pet’s information from the microchip database.

 

B. Different Types of Microchips Available for Pets

 

There are various types of microchips available, but the most commonly used ones conform to ISO (International Organization for Standardization) standards. The ISO standard ensures that the microchip’s frequency and data format are universally recognized, making it easier for scanners to read them. In some cases, there are also proprietary microchips, which might require specific scanners for reading. However, most animal shelters and veterinary clinics have scanners that can read multiple types of microchips, ensuring that lost pets can be identified regardless of the microchip type they have.

C. How the Microchip Is Implanted in Pets and Its Safety

How the Pet Microchip Works - How does a pet microchip implant work? | HowStuffWorks

Microchipping is a relatively simple and safe procedure that can be performed by a veterinarian or a trained professional. The process is similar to administering a routine vaccination and generally causes minimal discomfort to the pet. Using a sterile needle, the microchip is injected under the pet’s skin, where it remains in place throughout its life. Some pets may experience temporary mild soreness at the injection site, but serious complications are rare.

Microchips are designed to be biocompatible, reducing the risk of adverse reactions or infections. However, it is essential to follow proper procedures during implantation and register the microchip with accurate owner information to ensure its effectiveness in reuniting lost pets with their owners.

III. The Role of Microchipping in Reuniting Lost Pets

A. Statistics on the Number of Lost Pets and Their Chances of Being Reunited with Microchips The number of lost pets can be staggering, with millions of dogs and cats reported missing each year. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), only around 22% of lost dogs and a mere 2% of lost cats without microchips are returned to their owners. However, the odds drastically improve for pets with microchips. Research shows that about 52% of microchipped dogs and 38% of microchipped cats find their way back home when lost. These statistics highlight the critical role microchipping plays in reuniting lost pets with their families.

B. How Microchips Are a More Reliable Form of Identification than Collars and Tags

While collars and tags can be useful for identifying pets, they have several limitations. Collars can easily break or slip off, and tags may become illegible over time due to wear and tear. Additionally, collars can be removed deliberately or accidentally, leaving a pet without any visible identification. On the other hand, microchips provide a permanent and tamper-proof form of identification that remains embedded under the pet’s skin. Since the microchip is not visible and does not require batteries or a power source, there is virtually no risk of it becoming lost or inoperative. This makes microchips a more reliable and effective means of identifying lost pets, increasing the likelihood of their safe return to their owners.

IV. Advantages of Microchipping

A. Permanent Identification

Microchips Do Not Wear Out or Fall Off Like Collars and Tags One of the most significant advantages of microchipping is its permanence. Unlike collars and tags that can break, fade, or be removed, microchips stay with the pet for life. The tiny chip, usually made of biocompatible materials, remains safely embedded under the pet’s skin, ensuring that vital identification information is always accessible in case of separation or emergencies.

Dog Tracker Chip: What Are Dog Microchips vs GPS Trackers? - Tractive

B. Minimal Discomfort

Discuss the Painless and Quick Implantation Process Microchipping is a relatively simple and quick procedure that causes minimal discomfort to pets. The implantation process is similar to a routine vaccination and generally takes just a few seconds. Most pets experience only mild discomfort or a small pinch during the injection. Many veterinary clinics and animal shelters prioritize the well-being of the animals and take steps to make the process as stress-free as possible.

C. Longevity

Microchips Last the Pet’s Entire Life Without Needing Replacement Microchips are designed to last throughout a pet’s entire life without needing any maintenance or replacement. Once implanted, the microchip remains in place and serves as a reliable identification tool for as long as the pet lives. This longevity ensures that the pet’s identification remains intact, regardless of its age or how long it has been since the microchip was implanted.

V. Microchipping as a Legal Requirement and Industry Standards

A. Countries or Regions Where Microchipping Is Mandatory Many countries and regions have recognized the importance of microchipping and have made it mandatory for certain types of pets. For example, in the United Kingdom, it has been a legal requirement since 2016 for all dogs to be microchipped. Several other countries, such as Australia, New Zealand, and some European nations, have also implemented similar regulations. These legal mandates aim to promote responsible pet ownership, increase the chances of reuniting lost pets with their owners, and improve overall animal welfare.

B. The Increasing Adoption of Microchipping as a Standard Practice in Animal Welfare Beyond legal requirements, microchipping has become a standard practice in animal welfare across the globe. Many animal shelters, rescue organizations, and pet adoption agencies routinely microchip pets before they are adopted into new homes. This proactive approach ensures that pets start their new lives with permanent identification, giving both the pets and their new owners peace of mind. Additionally, microchipping has gained popularity among responsible pet owners who prioritize their pets’ safety and well-being.

In conclusion, microchipping plays a pivotal role in reuniting lost pets with their owners by providing a reliable and permanent form of identification. The advantages of microchipping, such as its permanence, minimal discomfort during implantation, and long-lasting effectiveness, make it a valuable tool in the effort to improve animal welfare and responsible pet ownership. As microchipping becomes increasingly adopted as a standard practice and a legal requirement in various countries, more pets will have a better chance of finding their way back home, bringing comfort and joy to countless families.