Table of Contents
Introduction
One of the best ways to ensure that your dog is safe and sound is to microchip them. This process involves injecting a tiny device under their skin, which then allows you to scan for it if your dog ever goes missing. It’s important to note that all dogs should be microchipped, but certain breeds are more at risk than others of being lost or stolen from their owners. For example, dogs like poodles and terriers have been known to wander off by themselves when they get bored or overwhelmed with excitement during walks. Other dogs may be taken by someone who wants another pet without having had one before—these types of situations can happen at home or even at the vet’s office!
What is microchipping?
Microchipping is a permanent form of identification that uses a tiny microchip to store your pet’s information. The chip itself can be placed in the loose skin between their shoulder blades. It’s about the size of a grain of rice and doesn’t hurt them at all!
Microchips are used to identify lost pets, but they’re also great for reuniting lost pets with their owners. If you have a microchip implanted in your dog, anyone who finds them can take them directly to an animal shelter or vet clinic where they’ll be scanned for identification so that you can be contacted right away.
When does my dog need to be microchipped?
The first step in the microchipping process is to get your dog spayed or neutered. If you don’t already have this done, consult with a veterinarian about when and where to schedule the procedure.
- For dogs over 8 weeks old, it’s recommended that they receive their first round of puppy shots before they are microchipped. However, if you live in one of the states where it’s required by law that all dogs be microchipped at a certain age (16 weeks), then you’ll need to wait until then before getting your dog chipped. In this case, we recommend having them vaccinated at least 4-6 weeks prior to getting chipped so that nothing interferes with their immunity after being implanted with the chip.
How long does a microchip last?
Microchips are extremely durable and last for the life of your pet. The process of microchip implantation is done when a veterinarian injects the tiny chip, which is about the size of a grain of rice, under your dog’s skin between their shoulder blades. This procedure can be done while your dog is sedated and takes only a few seconds to complete; afterward, you can take your pet home safely without any further care or worry.
In addition to being durable and safe for pets, microchips also offer many benefits:
- Microchips will not wear out like tags do over time; they aren’t affected by weather conditions or bathing/swimming (so no need to keep checking them).
- They are not affected by grooming either – so there’s no need for expensive jewelry!
Does the microchip hurt my dog?
The microchip is implanted under the skin via an injection with a needle. The process is quick and painless, and your veterinarian will ensure that it goes smoothly. Your dog may feel discomfort at first, but this should quickly fade away with time. The size of a grain of rice or less, it won’t be visible to you or anyone else—just enough for your dog to know he or she has been loved!
Is there a cost to get my dog microchipped?
- The cost of a microchip depends on the type and size of your dog, as well as where you get it. For example, at a veterinarian’s office, it’ll likely be around $50-$100 (though some vets will offer discounts). But if you purchase one online or at a pet supply store, the price could drop to under $25. In terms of registration fees and annual renewals, they are typically minimal—$10 per year is common.
- If you’re looking for more information on costs associated with getting your dog microchipped, check out this article: https://www.dogster.com/microchipping-costs
Are there any health or safety concerns?
Is there any health or safety concerns with microchipping?
Microchips are considered safe. The process is painless, and most dogs will not even notice the microchip being injected into their skin. While it is true that some people will experience mild discomfort in their arm where they received the injection, this is uncommon and usually subsides within several days.
While you might be worried about your beloved pet getting “lost” if he’s wearing a microchip, keep in mind that a microchip isn’t used as an identification tag like a collar and tags would be; rather, it’s used as an alternative method of identifying your pets should they become separated from you. If you find yourself without any form of ID on your dog (or if she gets lost while wearing her collar), then a lost-dog team may use her chip number to return her safely home!
What if I move or change information?
If you move, you will need to update your contact information with the registry. The microchip registry may need proof of address, so it’s best to have a recent utility bill handy when you call them.
If someone finds your lost pet, they can help reunite him or her with your family if he or she has been chipped. Microchipping is the only surefire way for lost pets to be identified in case they wander away from home and are picked up by animal control, which typically happens within 24 hours of being found.
Micro chipping is a process that helps keep your dog safe and can reunite you with your beloved pet in case they are lost!
Microchipping is a safe, permanent method of identifying your dog. The microchip is a tiny chip that’s implanted under the skin and about the size of a grain of rice. This identification number can be read by scanners used by animal shelters, veterinarians and animal control officers. The process takes less than 30 seconds and doesn’t require any sedation or anesthesia!
Microchips are read with a handheld scanner which emits radio waves to find the implanted chip, then a microchip reader analyzes any information stored on it. Most pet owners like to get their pets microchipped at their veterinarian’s office; however you can also purchase them online or at most pet stores as well as have one inserted by an experienced technician in your own home who has been trained on how to do so safely without causing any discomfort for your fur baby!
Conclusion
We hope this article has answered your questions about microchipping. It is a great way to keep your pet safe and may help reunite you with your beloved dog if they are lost!