A microchip provides a permanent lifelong form of identification should your pet be lost. Sometimes, our furry family members wander further than they should or run away because of fear or stress. When this happens, microchipped pets are more likely to find their way home. Having your pet chipped boosts your odds of reuniting with them. Every chip has a unique identification number linked to an online account. Once registered, this account contains vital information including; your pet’s name, your name, phone numbers to contact you, your address, etc. Make sure to check this information yearly and update this account information if you move or get a new phone number.
Microchipping Your Pet at Cincinnati Family Vet
A microchip is a small, low-frequency device that is enclosed in sterile glass or very strong sterile plastic, about the size of a grain of rice, that is inserted under the skin of your pet using a large bore needle. The entire process takes just a few moments and feels similar to receiving a vaccination. We can place it at the time of spay or neuter, or any time during a routine visit.
Some microchips will even provide us with a temperature on your pet meaning we do not have to obtain a temperature with a thermometer. This can help provide a calmer less stressful visit to the vet for your pet.
When someone finds a pet and takes them to a local shelter, humane society, or vet clinic they are scanned using a device to detect if there is any microchip. Many animal control and police stations have scanners too. If there is a microchip in your pet, the identification number displayed is entered into a database which will confirm what company the microchip is through, we can then call that company to get your contact information and reunite you with your pet.
Microchips do not track pets for you like a GPS. A pet’s microchip is a permanent means of identification for your pet. Where collars and tags can fall off, your pet’s microchip won’t. We do recommend keeping a collar with identification tag on your pet even when microchipped as not everyone is able to get them somewhere to be scanned.
One question we get asked by pet owners is if a microchip can fall out. A properly implanted chip cannot fall out or become damaged. In rare instances, a microchip can migrate and move from the place it was originally inserted. For this reason, we recommend asking us to scan your pet during their annual checkup. This allows us to ensure the microchip is still positioned correctly and functioning. We are trained to scan the pet’s entire body looking for a microchip, not just the classic location between the shoulder blades. Even if the chip has migrated, the scanner will sense it and provide the needed information.
Have your pet microchipped with us today to help keep your pet a part of your family.
If you have questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (513) 831-7444, or you can email us at [email protected]. Don't forget to follow us on social media East Hills Facebook, Red Bank Facebook, East Hills Instagram, and Red Bank Instagram.