Microchipping

Each year thousands of pets go missing and unfortunately, many do not make it back home. A microchip is a safe, simple form of identification that can significantly increase the chance of your pet’s return should they ever escape or become lost. Collars and identification tags are helpful, but they can be torn off and lost. Tags can become damaged or unreadable with wear and tear. We are proud to have assisted with the safe return of many pets to their homes after scanning them for microchip identification.

A microchip is about the size of a grain of rice and it is inserted under the pet’s skin between the shoulder blades. Microchip implantation takes only a few minutes and it is very safe. Each microchip has a unique number registered on a pet recovery database along with vital information about your pet including your name, address, and contact information. After microchip implantation, pet owners receive a registration form to complete. Registering your pet’s microchip number and your contact information will include your pet in a national pet recovery database. Please remember to update this information if you move or change phone numbers.

Veterinary hospitals, animal shelters, and animal control offices are equipped with specialized electronic scanners that can detect and read a microchip number. If a lost pet is presented at one of these facilities, a quick scan could reveal a microchip number. A toll-free call can be placed to determine the contact information for the registered owner on the pet recovery database. The owner may then be contacted and reunited with their lost pet.

Young puppies and kittens often receive microchips, but even adult pets are excellent candidates for microchips. Any pet can go missing from home or while away from home. We experience missing pet notifications regularly and it is heartbreaking for all involved. Microchipping is a safe, effective way of ensuring your pet’s return if the unthinkable should happen to you.

How do I update the contact information for my pet’s microchip?

We use the 24 Petwatch database. If you move or your contact information changes, please update at 24petwatch.com.