The American Humane Association estimates that over 10 million dogs and cats are separated from their owners each year through theft or because they have become lost. Unfortunately, not all of those beloved pets will make it home. Something which could improve their chances of being reunited with their owner is pet microchipping. This January during our low-cost vaccination clinic microchip your dog or cat for just $30. Click here for the schedule no appointment is required.
What is pet microchipping?
Pet microchipping is a process that involves placing a tiny RFID device, about the size of a grain of rice, into the soft tissue of your pet. This microchip lies dormant until it comes close to an RFID scanner. When it does, it transmits a unique reference number to the scanner, along with details of the microchip provider. This reference number relates to a database entry that contains your personal information so that you can be contacted in the event that your pet is found.
Only approved professionals can obtain this information, and only if you have given permission for the microchip provider to share it. In some cases, the microchip provider will contact you directly to let you know that your pet has been found. It is important that you keep this information up to date and contact your microchip provider if you move home or transfer ownership of your pet.
Key benefits of pet microchipping
- Increased likelihood that you will be reunited with your pet
- A form of identification that is tamper-proof and cannot fall off
- A biocompatible microchip, meaning that your pet’s body will not reject it
- No need to replace the microchip, it should last the duration of your pet’s lifetime
- Security of your personal information
- Enables owners of lost/stolen pets that do not survive to still be contacted to obtain closure
Should I still put a collar and tag on my pet?
We, Southern Agriculture, still encourage you to put a collar and tag on your pet. These can be the key to getting your pet back quickly but you have to remember they can fall off, be tampered with, or removed should someone so wish. We highly suggest you microchip, put a collar on, and a tag. This gives you the best chance of recovering your pet. You can purchase the microchip, the collar, and the tag at any of our seven stores.
