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22 May

Everything You Need to Know About a Pet Microchip

Being a pet parent is a wonderful feeling. Pets bring immeasurable joy to our lives; however, they also bring responsibility. A pet needs the same kind of attention and affection as a human baby does every day. They also cannot speak and tell us what they want or need, so make sure they have a good diet, get enough exercise, and sleep well. You should also make sure they have identification in case they get lost or mixed up with another dog. How can you do this? Through a pet microchip. Read on to find out everything you need to know about a pet microchip.

What is a Pet Microchip?

pet microchip is a tiny electronic chip, which is implanted on a pet underneath its skin. These chips measure roughly the same as a grain of rice and are differentiated by a Unique Identification Number. These chips require no power, and the unique identification number means no two microchips are the same. Once a chip is scanned, the unique chip number can be cross-referenced, and the pet/pet owner details can be used to get in touch with the owner.

How Does a Microchip Benefit My Pet?

A pet microchip has a host of benefits with virtually no drawbacks. A microchip is the only permanent proof of identification your pet can have, as physical identifiers like collars or tags are easily removable. A pet microchip may also be required by law if you live in certain municipalities.

Aside from health and safety reasons, your pet will also require a microchip if you ever intend to conduct an international pet relocation. Most international destinations list a microchip as a mandatory import requirement, and the exporting country often requires it as well.

How is a Pet Microchip Applied?

The application process for a pet microchip is the same as any routine vaccination your pet may have had and can be done by a vet or at an animal shelter. Since it is a permanent proof of ID, it is implanted under your pet’s skin, usually between their shoulder blades. The chip is implanted using a syringe, with the process being quick and hassle-free much like a routine vaccination.

How much does a Pet Microchip Cost?

The cost of getting your pet microchipped varies, depending on the channel through which you choose to get it done. Regardless of whether you get it done at the vet’s or an animal shelter, it is a relatively inexpensive process and is often cheaper than a new leash and collar customized with identification.

What are the Technical Specifications of a Pet Microchip?

There are a few technical specifications of microchips pet owners can familiarize themselves with. Pet microchips measure roughly 25 millimetres in length by two millimetres in width.

Microchips are standardized by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), meaning they are recognized globally; standard pet microchips are 15-digit, non-encrypted, ISO 11784/11785 chips which are recognized and accepted worldwide.

Pet microchips require no power, no batteries, and no recharging. These chips are Radio Frequency Identification Devices (RFID’s), which means they function like electronic ID tags rather than GPS location devices.

What are the Drawbacks of a Pet Microchip?

There aren’t many drawbacks associated with pet microchips. The practice of microchipping and tagging animals is done globally, as it is necessary for quite a few things; for example, some countries require your pet to be registered with the local municipality, for which you will need a pet microchip. The drawbacks are more of the procedure than the chips themselves, with minor swelling visible in rare cases. Much like with any other vaccination process, the pain will be short-lived and should subside with no treatment.

Are there other Alternatives for ID Purposes?

Yes, there are other ways of identifying your pet. Having your pet’s name and your basic contact information on dog tags or a collar does help significantly if they ever get lost or wander off. However, such methods of identification are rather easily removable, and therefore cannot be used as an unfailingly reliable way of identification.

Microchips, on the other hand, are non-removable and permanent by nature thanks to the way they are implanted. Microchips will also be required for international pet travel, where a set of tags or a collar cannot serve as concrete ID proof.

To conclude, microchipping is a quick, painless, and relatively inexpensive procedure with numerous benefits and precious few drawbacks. It serves as a convenient and reliable way of identifying your pet, along with the benefit of allowing you to travel overseas with your pet. If you’re a pet parent, a pet microchip is but a tiny investment which will go a long way towards guaranteeing your pet’s safety. If you’re sceptical and concerned about your and your pet’s privacy, remember that the microchip only contains a unique identification number, which is 15 digits, and no other owner/pet information.

AUTHOR’S BIO

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Carry My Pet

Passionate pet enthusiasts and globetrotters, dedicated to easing furry friends' journeys worldwide. Penning tales of compassion at CarryMyPet, where every relocation is a tail-wagging adventure.

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