Why You Should Microchip Your Pet
It is estimated that as many as 10 million dogs are lost per year, but microchipping your dog is an effective way to prevent them from being lost or stolen. Ensure that your dog isn’t one of the many canine companions lost each year; consider microchipping your dog! Read on for more information on microchipping and how you and your furry friend could benefit.
Understanding Microchips
Microchips are miniscule computer chips, no bigger than a grain of rice, that your vet can implant in your dog’s skin using a large needle. Your dog’s microchip will have a unique registration number associated with your name and contact information. Using a handheld reader, shelters and vets can scan your dog and contact you if they find your dog. For this reason, you should get a common chipping brand to ensure the reader can successfully scan your dog’s chip.
Dog Tags are Outdated
The classic way to make sure your dog is safe is by using dog tags. With dog tags, you can add your pet’s name, your phone number, and an address if you deem it necessary. While dog tags are a classic, cute look for your dog to sport, they can easily fall off, break, or the information on them may rub off as well. Microchips, on the other hand, are permanent. It won’t fall off or wear down. Your pet will always have their microchip with them, meaning they can always be found.
There’s a Greater Chance Your Dog Will Be Returned
If your pet does happen to get lost or stolen, you want to do everything in your power to bring them home safely. Studies have shown that dogs with microchips are returned 2.5 times more often than dogs without microchips. That’s a big difference – microchipping your dog means that you are twice as likely to find your dog if they become lost. Although we always hope that we will never lose our dogs, sometimes it’s outside of our control. Microchipping can help prepare you if disaster does strike.
Innovative Features
Though it depends on the chip manufacturer, many microchips have high-tech features that could benefit you and your dog. Some chips are specially programmed to only open your dog door when it is your dog approaching. This prevents unwanted critters from entering through the doggie door. Others offer alerting services that will let you know when your loved one is lost. These features add a lot to your microchip and make it even more worth it to invest in one for your dog!
Collars and dog tags are effective, but to further protect your dog from becoming lost or stolen, we highly recommend that you consider microchipping your dog. At the end of the day, it’s worth it to keep your dog safe!