At Richmond Veterinary Clinic in Fox Lake, IL we believe every pet deserves the best shot at being reunited with their family if they get lost. Microchipping your furry friend is one of the safest, fastest, and most effective ways to do just that. Whether you’ve got a curious kitty who likes to sneak out or a canine buddy who sprints through open gates, a microchip is your backup plan if a collar fails.
What Is Microchipping, and How Does It Work?
A microchip is a tiny device—about the size of a grain of rice—implanted under your pet’s skin, typically between the shoulder blades. Each chip contains a unique ID number that’s linked to your contact information in a national database. It doesn’t use GPS, and it can’t track your pet’s location. But if your furry pal ends up at a shelter or vet clinic, a quick scan of the chip makes it possible to reunite you.
It’s quick, easy, and causes no more discomfort than a standard vaccine shot. Many pets don’t even flinch!
Is Microchipping Safe for Dogs and Cats?
Absolutely. Microchipping is safe for both dogs and cats. Complications are rare and typically minor, such as temporary swelling at the injection site. The microchips are made from biocompatible materials that are designed not to cause allergic reactions.
And yes, even smaller pets can be microchipped, although it’s more common for dogs and cats.
Benefits of Microchipping Pets for Identification
Collars and ID tags are great—but they can fall off or get removed. A microchip stays with your furry bestie for life. Here’s why it matters:
- Permanent identification: Chips don’t fade, break, or fall off.
- Improves chances of return: According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, microchipped dogs are returned to their owners over 52% of the time—versus 22% for non-chipped dogs.
- Proof of ownership: A microchip can help settle disputes about pet ownership.
- Required for travel: Many international pet travel regulations require microchipping.
How to Register a Pet Microchip
Getting the chip implanted is only step one. For it to work, you must register the chip with your contact details. Here’s how:
- Ask for the microchip number after the procedure.
- Register with a national pet recovery database
- Update your information any time you move or change phone numbers.
Need help? The team at Richmond Veterinary Clinic in Fox Lake, IL can walk you through registration and even help you check if your pet’s chip info is up to date.
When Should You Microchip Your Pet?
We recommend microchipping during a routine wellness visit or when your furry pal is getting spayed or neutered. Puppies and kittens can be chipped as early as 8 weeks old. It’s quick, safe, and adds a lifelong layer of security.
Already have an older pet who isn’t chipped? No problem. It’s never too late.
Fun Facts About Microchipping
- Microchips don’t run on batteries. They’re activated by the scanner’s radio waves.
- Lost pets have been reunited with their owners after years thanks to microchips.
- More than 10 million pets are lost each year in the U.S.—microchipping improves their chances of coming home.
FAQ
Does the microchip act like a GPS?
No. It’s not a tracker. It simply provides a unique ID number that connects to your contact info in a database.
Is microchipping painful for pets?
No. There may be a moment of discomfort, but this is comparable to getting a routine vaccine. Most pets don’t react at all.
What if I adopt a pet that already has a chip?
You can update the contact info with the chip registry. We’re happy to help you transfer ownership at Richmond Veterinary Clinic in Fox Lake, IL.
Can the microchip move?
Very rarely. Chips sometimes migrate a little, but they usually stay within scanning range.
Ready to Microchip Your Furry BFF?
A microchip is a one-time step that can make a lifelong difference. At Richmond Veterinary Clinic in Fox Lake, IL we make it fast, affordable, and stress-free. Schedule a microchipping appointment today and protect your furry bestie with the ID that never falls off.
This blog is meant to be informational only. Always consult with your veterinarian for the right medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment plan for your pet and follow their advice.
