Pet Microchipping
Pet microchipping is a simple and effective way to ensure your pet can be identified if they become lost, improving the likelihood that they will be safely returned to you.
What is Pet Microchipping?
A microchip, about the size of a grain of rice, is implanted under your pet’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades. This microchip contains a unique identification number that can be read by a scanner, linking your pet to your contact information.
Benefits of Pet Microchipping
Pet microchipping features numerous benefits, making it a preferred choice for many pet owners:
- Permanent Identification: Unlike collars and tags, which can fall off or be removed, a microchip provides a permanent form of identification.
- Quick and Painless: The implantation process is quick and causes minimal discomfort to your pet.
- Increases Reunion Chances: Pets with microchips are significantly more likely to be reunited with their owners if they get lost.
- Nationwide Database: Microchip information is stored in a national database, accessible by veterinary clinics and animal shelters across the country.
- Proof of Ownership: A microchip can serve as proof of ownership in case of disputes.
How Pet Microchipping Works
At Knox Pet Clinic in Galesburg, IL, our pet microchipping process is straightforward and safe:
- Consultation: We discuss the procedure with you and address any concerns you might have.
- Implantation: The microchip is injected under your pet’s skin using a sterile needle. This process is quick, similar to a routine vaccination.
- Registration: We register the microchip with your contact information in the PetLink database.
- Verification: We scan the microchip to ensure it is functioning correctly and verify your information is accurate.
When to Microchip Your Pet
It is advisable to microchip your pet at an early age, but it can be done at any time. Ideal moments to consider microchipping include:
- During Puppy or Kitten Vaccinations: Combining the microchip implantation with routine vaccinations can make the process more convenient.
- Before Travel: If you plan to travel with your pet, many destinations require microchipping as a form of identification.
- After Adoption: If you have recently adopted a pet, microchipping is an important step to ensure they can be identified if they go missing.