The Importance of Micro-Chipping Your Pet

Your pet is more than an animal—it is part of your family. Now imagine losing that family member and having no way to track them down. According to American Humane Society estimates, 10 million cats and dogs are stolen each year, and 1 in 3 pets will become lost in their lifetimes. The risk of lost pets spikes over the 4th of July holiday, when the noise makes anxious animals run away. Here is a closer look at some of the benefits of microchipping your pet and the reasons to talk to your Saratoga veterinarian about the procedure.

Easier Reunions

According to a study in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, only 22% of dogs who enter animal shelters without a microchip are returned to their families. 52% of dogs with microchips are reunited with owners. The numbers for cats are even more staggering. Only 2% of lost cats without microchips are found, while 32% of lost cats who enter animal shelters with microchips are reunited with their families again. When a lost animal is brought into a shelter or vet with a chip, it can be scanned and a pet’s owner can be located.

Medical Information

Your vet can embed important medical information about your pet into its microchip. When scanned, this information will be available to a vet or shelter. Important lifesaving data such as preexisting medical conditions, allergies, and other medical needs will be available to a vet if your pet is lost and is in need of medical attention.

Lost Pet Networks

Many microchips are also part of lost pet networks that alert vets and concerned people in your area if your pet goes missing. This helps to mobilize your community to find your pet and help it return home safely to you. Any veterinary hospital who receives these alerts knows to be on the lookout in case someone brings your pet into the office. Reed Animal Hospital offers microchipping at both the Campbell and Saratoga location.