Microchip: The Importance and Safety for your Pet

Our pet’s safety is our #1 priority. We all want the peace of mind to know that in an emergency, accident or natural disaster that our pet will be alright. In Honor of “National Check the Chip Day,” we want to provide some insight in regards to the microchip, the safety features, as well as additional resources available for you and your pet.

National Check the Chip Day: The Microchip and your Pet

Environment

The environment can change in an instant. Due to natural disasters on the rise or a random unexpected loud noise, your pet could unexpectedly become separated from your family. There is no way to predict any of these occurrences, but the best way to prepare is to have all the reserves you need to find them.

Identification

Every pet should have a collar. Even if your pet is strictly indoors, a collar is a first-step to identify who they are, in an emergency situation. According to Trupanion staff veterinarian, Dr. Sarah Nold, DVM “Make sure your pet can be identified if they get separated from you, ideally, this means they would be microchipped in addition to a physical tag with contact information.”

Security

The microchip adds an additional layer of security. If a pet is lost, a microchip can track the pet and get the pet safely back to its owner. A collar is a great secondary addition to provide identification, but in an emergency, a collar does have the ability to fall off. Certainly, that is why the microchip is so important. Due to the security of the chip, there is no way for the chip to tear, rip, fall off, or become misplaced.

Contact Information

Similarly, make sure the information on your microchip is accurate. Due to the fact, you don’t want an old address associated with the microchip. Your pet could return to the wrong location. Also make sure your collar has updated contact information as well, which includes phone numbers and physical address. It is often a missed step due to a simple change in phone number or a recent move.

Accessibility

The accessibility to get a microchip for your pet is available at a wide variety of places. Your local vet can microchip your pet. Also, many animal shelters and rescue organizations will micro-chip when you adopt your new pet. The adoption fee often includes a chip component as part of the adoption fee. Likewise many local animal rescue and shelter organizations offer a low-cost microchip option on National Check the Chip Day.

App

Many microchip platforms have the ability to connect to an app with your smartphone. So you have the capability to update your contact information while you are on-the-go. Also, an app provides the flexibility to update as needed at your convenience.

Peace of Mind

The microchip provides the security and peace of mind for your pet that in an emergency they can be reunited with their family. Above all, always check with your vet if you have any questions or concerns in regards to the microchip process.