Why?  Because a microchip is a permanent form of identification.  Each microchip has a unique identification number that is registered --with owner contact information--in a national pet recovery database.  If you move, it's important to remember to update your contact information with your microchip provider either via website or through your veterinarian.

It's also important to know that while a microchip carries only your pet's identification number, it does not necessarily indicate which providers national database holds your pet's owner-contact information.  However, if your pet is found by a shelter, rescue group, or a veterinarian, or private individual, there are efficient ways to track down your contact information.

For example, the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) created the AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup Tool. www.petmicrochiplookup.org.  This tool lets you enter a microchip code and then tells you which participating microchip registry is associated with that microchip's number as well as the microchip's manufacturer.  Also in 2009, an Internet search engine  www.checkthechip.com was launched.  This website allows users to enter a microchip code and then directs them to the manufacturer of the microchip.  In all cases however, pet owners need to make sure to register their pet's microchip and then ensure that contact information is always current.

Now for your further information and convenience, we have excerpted a few of the Frequently Asked Questions and Answers featured on the website of the American Veterinary Medicine Association (www.avma.org)  

What is a Microchip? A microchip is a tiny electronic chip (about the size of a grain of rice) that is activated by a scanner passed over the location of the chip.  The scanners radiowaves activate the chip, which then transmits the identification number to the scanner, where the number is then displayed on the screen.

How is a microchip implanted into an animal? It is injected under the skin using a hypodermic needle and is no more painful than a vaccination.  No anesthesia is required, so it can be implanted during a routine veterinary office visit.   Or, if your pet is already under anesthesia for a procedure, such as neutering or spaying, the microchip can be implanted while they're still under anesthesia.

What kind of information is contained in the microchip? The microchips presently used in pets only contain identification numbers. However, some microchip registration databases will allow you to store medical information in the database for quick reference.

How does a microchip help reunite a lost animal with its owner? When an animal is found and taken to a shelter or veterinary clinic, one of the first things they do is scan the animal for a microchip. If they find a microchip, and if the microchip registry has accurate information, they can quickly find the animal's owner.

Will a microchip really make it more likely for me to get my pet back if it is lost? Definitely! A American Veterinary Medicine Association study of more than 7,700 stray animals at animal shelters showed that dogs without microchips were returned to their owners 21.9% of the time, whereas microchipped dogs were returned to their owners 52.2% of the time. Cats without microchips were reunited with their owners only 1.8% of the time, whereas microchipped cats went back home 38.5% of the time. (Lord et al, JAVMA, July 15, 2009) For microchipped animals that weren't returned to their owners, most of the time it was due to incorrect owner information (or no owner information) in the microchip registry database so don't forget to register and keep your information updated.

Does a microchip replace identification tags and rabies tags?  Absolutely not.  Microchips are great for permanent identification that is tamper-proof, but nothing replaces a collar with up-to-date identification tags. Your pet's rabies tag should always be on its collar, so people can quickly see that your pet has been vaccinated for this deadly disease. Rabies tag numbers also allow tracing of animals and identification of a lost animal's owner, but it can be hard to have a rabies number traced after veterinary clinics or county offices are closed for the day.  And, as we all know, sometimes pets can lose their collars, their tags, or both. The microchip databases are online or telephone-accessed databases, and are available 24/7/365.
Want to talk more about microchipping your pet?  Just call Big Thompson Animal Hospital at 970-667-9230.  We will be happy to discuss this important option with you at any time.