Chip Chip Hooray

What is a Microchip?

A microchip is a small device, about the size of a grain of rice, that is placed under an animal's skin - much like giving the animal a shot. The microchip contains a unique identification number that matches up with the owner's contact information maintained in a database. When a scanner is passed over the chip at the shelter or vet, the scanner displays the number. If the owner's contact information is up to date in the microchip database, the owner can be located quickly.

What are the benefits of Microchipping and Proper Identification?

Permanent identification of animals can be a challenge. Identification tags are an important and effective means of identification, but only if they are in place on an animal when it becomes lost. For animals that don’t wear collars or easily escape their collars, microchips are the best option for that pet. The ideal situation of proper identification for an animal is a microchip that is registered and up to date with the owner's information, a collar and identification tag with the owner’s contact information included as well. Both are essential in reuniting lost pets with their family.