Microchip

A microchip is a small (the size of a grain of rice) computer chip with a unique serial number that is implanted by injection under the skin of your pet. If your pet gets lost, he/she is much more likely to be returned to you because veterinarians, shelters, and many rescue organizations have scanning devices that can retrieve the serial number, contact the microchip company, and send you a message.

Does your pet need one? Statistics say as many as 1 out of 3 pets will be separated from their owner at least once. We like to ask this hypothetical question: If this pet got lost, would I want him/her returned? If the answer is yes, then you should probably microchip your pet.

Here are some things to consider:

This market has really grown over the last 10 years with a few very reputable companies and several imitators trying to make a buck.

• Total cost: initial cost of the chip, registration in a database, the company’s maintenance of that database, are there any ongoing costs (like if you move & need to change your address or give the pet away to a new owner)

• Recovery efforts: if your pet gets lost, what does the microchip company do and what is the cost?

• Size of the chip: larger chips require larger needles for insertion, but they have large antennas and strong signals. Smaller chips are easier to insert but have smaller antennas and can sometimes be missed when scanning.

• GPS microchips do not exist yet. Squeezing a GPS tracking device into something the size of a grain of rice would be quite an accomplishment. I’m sure there are scientists working on it as we speak, but until then, a microchip or a GPS collar are current options.

At SpayXperts, we use AKC reunite microchips. We have experience with nearly every manufacturer and while some chips are better to insert and some companies have better service over the life of the chip, we believe AKC reunite is the overall winner. The microchips are of good quality, scan easily, are reasonably priced, there are no ongoing fees, and http://www.akcreunite.org is relentless with recovery efforts when needed.

Pets can be microchipped at any vet visit, and many pet owners choose to have the microchip inserted with spay neuter or dental procedures. Just say, “Gimme the Chip Please” and we will do the rest. See pricing DOGS   CATS

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