Our Microchipping Services

Learn More About Microchipping

Our pets are part of our family and we want to do everything in our power to protect them. Losing a pet is a frightening time, so it is important to take every measure possible in order to bring a quick reunification between owner and pet.

We at Perrysburg Animal Hospital know that one way to assist in the reunification process is to have your pet microchipped. This small electronic device can be inserted in your pet for his or her lifetime, providing a continuous way to find you, the owner, quickly.

How Does a Microchip Work?

A microchip is a small electronic device that can help recover your pet if he or she should ever go missing. Contrary to popular belief, a microchip does not act as a GPS guide, locating a lost pet. Instead, a microchip is a small electronic that contains vital information about your pet, and yourself as the owner.

Unlike collars and identification tags which can be lost, or damaged, the microchip contact information remains in your pet for his or her lifetime. If your lost pet is found, the chip can be scanned, and your contact information obtained.

Many different facilities and practices have the ability to scan an animal for a microchip including police stations, animal shelters, and veterinary offices.

How Is It Inserted?

The microchip itself is a very small electronic chip that is inserted just under your pet's skin. The chip is about the same size and shape as a grain of rice. The procedure to insert a microchip takes only a matter of seconds. A needle to encompass the entire chip is inserted into the skin, expelling the microchip just below the surface.

Usually, the microchip is inserted in between the pet's shoulder blades, where the skin is relatively thick, and the microchip will be generally undisturbed.

Although it seems like the process should be painful, your cat or dog will only experience a small pinch as the needle is inserted. Microchips will remain under the skin for the lifetime of the pet and pose no health risks or concerns.

Register, Register, Register!

Because the microchip does not act as a GPS tracking device, it is only as useful as the information put into it. The chip is able to tell the finder information about where the pet was adopted, and the contact information for the owner. Unfortunately, the information coming out of an analyzed chip is only as good as the information going into it.

This is why simply inserting a microchip into your pet is not enough. Pet owners must also be sure to register their information attached to the chip in order to be effective. Remember registering your information is vitally important and can make the difference of seeing a lost pet again.

What Other Precautions Can I Take?

Of course, accidents happen, and our pets can become lost or missing. Taking the right precautions ahead of time to ensure that your pet is safely reunited with you is key to being a responsible pet owner. Microchipping is a great first step but there are other precautions you can take as well.

Always have a collar on your pet that is secure and safe. Make sure that the fasteners on the collar are fully closed. Have a printed identification tag on your pet clearly indicating the pet's name and owner's contact information. To ensure your pet stays safe, keep your pet in a fenced-in yard, or always securely on a leash.

Of course, keep a watchful eye on your pet and never leave him or her unattended outdoors. Every step you take to protect your pet will keep your pet healthy, and happily at your side.