How to Use Pet Microchips

Losing a pet is a big fear of many pet owners. It is estimated that 1 in 3 pets will either run away or become lost. Luckily, pet microchips are available to help re-unite pet and owner. Pet microchips are not expensive; in fact the typical HomeAgain chip procedure runs around $45 dollars. Microchips are also easy to use and effective.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Contact your veterinarian to schedule an insertion. The Microchip insertion is a simple procedure. The veterinarian injects a microchip under the pet's shoulder blade. Each pet microchip has a unique number. The number and your information are entered into a database.

2. Pay the annual microchip fee. There is an annual charge to use the microchip service. Your service will be deactivated if you do not pay.

3. Keep your contact information current. If you move, contact the microchip company to update your address and phone number in the database. This will help ensure that a shelter can find you if you pet is lost.

4. If your pet gets lost, contact all local shelters. It is important to remember that microchips are read by scanners that are specific to their brand. If your pet is taken to a shelter that is able to read the microchip, the shelter will update the national database. Then the database company or shelter will contact you.

Tips & Warnings

• There are several companies that produce microchips. So before you get the insertion, check to confirm that your microchip is compatible with the scanners in the local area.

Resources

• Visit HomeAgain, a company that sells microchips
• Visit the Humane Society of the United States for information on pet microchips