Microchips: Protect Your Pet!

Did you know 1 in 3 pets will become lost in their lifetime? Microchips play an important role in ensuring your pet has a safe recovery. A microchip is a very small device implanted underneath the skin in between the shoulder blades. When this device is scanned it brings up a number that is registered to the owners with their information. A microchip costs between $35 and $40 and lasts for the life of your pet. You do not need an appointment to have your pet microchipped.

Microchips can greatly reduce the risk of your pet becoming permanently lost, however you should not rely on microchips alone. Always make sure your pet is wearing an accurate ID tag with their name, address and phone number attached to their collar for easy identification. You should also keep a recent photo of you with your pet for accurate identification purposes.

If you have lost your pet make sure to take advantage of the resources available to you. Most local newspapers will allow a free ad in the weekly paper. There is also a Facebook page called Lost Dogs of Illinois where you can post your lost dogs information. This site will also generate a free poster with all of your pets information on it that you can print out and use.

August 15th is National Check the Chip Day - a day that encourages owners to double-check their pet's microchip information and make sure it is accurate. For more information on microchipping and National Check the Chip Day contact your local veterinarian.