No pet parent wants to think about their pet getting lost. However, a microchip can help reunite you if this ever happens. One microchip lasts your pet’s lifetime, which means they’ll only need to go through the implantation process once. If you’d like to book a microchipping appointment, please contact us at 905-983-9010.
Does my pet need surgery to get a microchip?
Though microchips can be implanted during another surgical procedure your pet has scheduled, it is not required. Your pet can get microchipped during a routine visit to our veterinary hospital. We use a needle, usually a little bigger than the ones we use for vaccines, to implant the microchip under your pet’s skin between the shoulder blades. The process only takes a few minutes to give your pet their permanent identification.
How does a microchip work?
A microchip is about the same size as a grain of rice. The chip is activated with a handheld scanner’s radio waves, typically used by a shelter or veterinary office, when it runs across it. It shows the chip’s identification number, which can be connected to a pet recovery registry. The registry contains your contact information, which will be used to reach you when your pet is recovered. It’s important to ensure you provide your contact information to the microchip registry and that it is kept up-to-date. Microchips are additional steps you can take to ensure your pet makes it back home to you, if they ever get lost.
How do I know if the microchip is working?
Once the microchip is implanted, it can be activated as long as a scanner comes into contact with it. If you have concerns about it staying in place or would like to confirm that it’s still working, our veterinary team can use our scanner to ensure the microchip is detectable. Microchips are not the only pet identification you should depend on for your furry friend. They should be used alongside collars and tags.
