What Your Vet Hopes You Know About Microchipping Your Pet
As a pet owner, your veterinarian has likely recommended that you have your pet microchipped in the past. If you've wondered about microchipping but aren't sure if it's the right decision, you might have come across some misinformation that could lead you to make a misinformed choice. Here's a look at a few things that your veterinarian wants you to know about microchipping and your pet.
Microchipping Doesn't Require Anesthesia
You may have dismissed the idea of microchipping your pet because you're concerned about putting him or her under sedation. After all, sedating your fur baby does have some risks. However, that's not a concern when you're microchipping your pet.
The microchip is inserted using a needle that's only slightly larger than a standard vaccination needle, so there's no need for anesthesia. In fact, because of the small size and the small needle used to deliver it, your pet won't feel any significant discomfort. In addition, the simple administration process means that your pet can be microchipped in the vet's office in minutes, no longer than a standard vet visit.
Microchipping Isn't Real-Time GPS Tracking
Some pet owners mistake microchips for real-time GPS tracking systems, believing that a microchipped pet can be located through GPS technology and satellites in the event that the animal gets loose. However, that's not a feature that microchips can provide.
A microchip is simply a small device that stores contact information so that your pet can be returned to you if they are ever lost and recovered by someone. All it takes is a veterinarian to scan your fur baby for a microchip, then they will contact the registration company for information.
Microchipping Doesn't Release Your Personal Information
In certain cases, pet owners are wary of microchipping out of fear that it will make their personal information accessible to virtually anyone. The fact is that, even if your pet is lost, your contact information is not released to anybody. Instead, the veterinarian who identifies the microchip only gets a registration number that ties back to your pet's microchip information.
The vet must then call the registration company and provide that number, at which time the registration company takes the contact information for the veterinarian or the person who has your pet. The registration company then calls you to notify you that your pet has been found. That means your personal information is secure with the registration company until you reach out to the person who has your pet.
These are some of the most important things that you need to know about microchipping your pet. Contact a veterinarian at a veterinary clinic like Pittsburgh Spay & Vaccination Clinic for more help and information.