Reasons To Check The Chip

August 15th is Check The Chip Day! If your pet hasn’t been microchipped, then we would very strongly urge you to get that appointment on the books ASAP. Microchips may be tiny, but they serve as crucial lifelines for lost pets, and are often the only link to their worried owners. While getting your furry pal microchipped is the biggest thing, it’s also important to regularly check the device. A Middletown, DE vet lists some reasons why in this article.

Getting Information

The most important reason to check the chip would simultaneously fall under both best and worst case scenario possibilities. Ideally, that chip will never be needed. It’s only there as a safety net in case your animal companion is ever lost or stolen. However, as many as one in three of our furry friends will go missing at some point in their lives. We hope this never happens to you, but we also advise erring on the side of caution. If the chip is functioning and the information is up to date, the chances of you and your beloved pet being reunited is greatly improved.

They Sometimes Move

Chips are usually inserted between pets’ shoulder blades, just below the skin. However, sometimes they do move a bit. If the chip isn’t where it should be, someone scanning your four-legged friend could potentially miss it.

Life Changes

We all go through changes over the courses of our lifetimes. Most people move at least a few times. Many also change phone numbers, email addresses, or even names. Keep the data on your account with the chip manufacturer current. That chip will be useless if your contact info is outdated, incorrect, or missing! (Tip: try using the Universal Pet Microchip Lookup tool here.)

Malfunctions

Although chips are usually quite durable, they can—and do—at times malfunction. Microchips don’t actually transmit any information. They only contain a single piece of data: a unique ID number associated with your account in the chipmaker’s database. (Note: this is done by a technology known as passive radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology.)

It’s Easy

Microchips are read with special scanners used by veterinarians and shelter staff. It’s quite easy to ask your vet to check the chip during your pet’s regular appointments. Why not?

Do you need to ‘install’ a microchip in your pet? Contact us, your local Middletown, DE animal hospital, today!