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Recapping National Check the Chip Day

You may have missed it, but last month, we celebrated “National Check the Chip Day,” which is held annually on August 15. 

The American Veterinary Medical Association created it in tandem with the American Animal Hospital Association to promote awareness around pet microchips. And more specifically, to ensure that pet owners keep the information registered with those microchips current.

So, if your pet does not have a microchip — which may be useful in helping track down its owner should it get lost — the “holiday” may help sway you toward getting one. Also, it serves as a reminder to keep your information updated. If you’re not sure what information is on your microchip, or if your pet even has one, you can ask your veterinarian.

Pet Microchips 101

If you’re unsure about pet microchips, they’re fairly common. They’re small chips that are encased in glass, and are about the size of a grain of rice. It doesn’t contain a battery, but rather, is activated by a scanner. They’re implanted under a pet’s skin using a needle — a process that is more or less exactly like receiving a vaccine. The procedure can be done at a veterinarian’s office. They’ll last a while, too, with a lifespan of around 25 years.

The chips themselves contain identification numbers. Those numbers reference information about a pet in a database, such as their owner’s contact information, or their health history. The chip itself doesn’t contain the information, and it doesn’t track them. There are numerous chip manufacturers, and in some cases, those manufacturers run the databases.

If you’re adopting a pet that has a microchip, you’ll need to update the information associated with it. That way, if your pet does get lost, scanning the microchip can help track you down.

Yes, there may be some costs associated with keeping the chip registered, but for some pet owners, that may be worth it. The fees may be a one-time registration fee, while other companies charge annual fees. It’ll depend on the specifics.

Chips Down

Ultimately, the main reason a pet owner would want to consider a microchip is that it can help reunite them with a lost animal. Pet owners can look at free options for registering their pets’ chips, such as the Free Chip Registry available through the American Animal Hospital Association. 

Note, too, that you shouldn’t assume that a microchip is an adequate replacement for other identifiers, such as a collar and name tags. Think of the chip as a failsafe instead.

Again, getting your pet chipped is relatively inexpensive, quick, and safe. If you have more questions, we’re happy to talk you through the options, and the procedure, and make recommendations, too.

Contact us to make an appointment today!

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