Pet Microchipping at Garden Ridge Animal Hospital in Lewisville, TX
Protect your pet from the unexpected with our professional microchipping services at Garden Ridge Animal Hospital. This simple procedure ensures a greater chance of being safely reunited if they ever get lost.
What is Pet Microchipping?
Pet microchipping involves implanting a tiny microchip, about the size of a grain of rice, under your pet’s skin. This microchip contains a unique identification number that can be read by a scanner. The procedure is quick and minimally invasive, similar to a routine vaccination.
How Pet Microchipping Works
The microchip is implanted under your pet’s skin, typically between the shoulder blades, using a hypodermic needle. This quick procedure is often performed during a routine veterinary visit.
After implantation, it’s essential to register your contact information with the microchip manufacturer’s database. This registration links your pet’s unique microchip ID to your contact details, making it possible for you to be contacted if your pet is found.
When a lost pet is found, veterinarians, shelters, and animal control officers use a handheld scanner to check for a microchip. If a microchip is detected, they can contact the manufacturer to retrieve the owner’s contact information.
Benefits of Pet Microchipping
- Permanent Identification: Microchips provide a permanent form of identification that cannot be lost or removed, unlike collars or tags. This ensures that your pet’s ID stays with them at all times.
- Increased Chances of Reuniting with Lost Pets: Pets with microchips are significantly more likely to be returned to their owners if they get lost. Animal shelters, veterinarians, and animal control officers routinely scan for microchips in found pets, allowing them to quickly contact the owner.
- Quick and Painless Procedure: The microchipping process is quick, takes only a few seconds, and causes minimal discomfort to your pet. It is similar to receiving a routine vaccination, making it a simple and stress-free experience for your furry friend.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing that your pet has a reliable form of identification provides peace of mind. You can feel secure knowing that if your pet ever goes missing, there is a higher chance of a safe return home.
When to Consider Pet Microchipping
- New Pets: It is advisable to microchip your pet when you first bring them home. Whether you have a new puppy, kitten, or adopt an older pet, microchipping provides immediate protection.
- Outdoor Pets: Pets that spend time outdoors, including dogs, cats, and even small pets like rabbits and guinea pigs, are at a higher risk of wandering off and getting lost. Microchipping is an essential safety measure for these pets.
- Traveling with Pets: If you travel with your pets, especially to unfamiliar places, microchipping is crucial. It increases the likelihood of a quick reunion if your pet gets lost while you are away from home.
- Adopting from Shelters: Many shelters and rescue organizations microchip pets before adoption. If your new pet is not already microchipped, Garden Ridge Animal Hospital can provide this service to ensure their safety.