Like any pet owner, you care about your pet’s safety. Still, accidents can and do happen, and as a result, millions of dogs and cats slip out of their homes or collars and end up going missing. While many pets do reunite with their families again, there are just as many that do not. World of Animals Veterinary Hospital in Philadelphia, PA recommends microchipping your pet to increase the odds of a reunion with your pet, if they happen to get lost. In fact, the odds increase several times over, and so far, the HomeAgain microchip manufacturer has helped over 2 million pets return to their loving homes.
What is a Microchip, and How Does It Work?
A pet microchip is just that – a microchip, roughly the same size as a grain of rice. This tiny transponder is placed under your pet’s skin between their shoulder blades using a needle. The microchip will remain in that spot for the rest of your pet’s life and never expire.
The microchip has a unique ID number that is specific to your pet. To read the chip, a scanner emitting radio waves is passed over the spot where the chip has been placed. The chip/transponder sends back the ID number, which is entered into a database. If the chip is properly registered (as it should be), your name and contact information should come up. This allows the hospital or shelter to contact you and ensure a speedy reunion with your pet.
Steps to Prevent Your Pet from Getting Lost
In addition to a microchip, there are several other things you can do to reduce the risk of losing your pet.
Updated ID Tags
Make sure your pet has up-to-date ID tags on their collar and/or harness with your phone number and proof of rabies vaccination.
An Appropriately Sized Collar and Leash
When you’re walking your pet, their collar and leash should be appropriate to their size. The collar should fit snugly while allowing you to fit two fingers under it. This keeps your pet secure, without causing them any discomfort. Also, your pet’s leash should be sturdy and allow for you to maintain control. Retractable leashes are risky because they reduce the amount of control you have of your pet and could break if your pet tries to bolt.
Training
All dogs should be trained in basic commands, including “come” and “stay.” The better trained your pet is, the less likely they will be to run off and ignore your calls.
