MICROCHIPPING YOUR PET FOR SAFETY AND IDENTIFICATION

A well-fitted collar with a current ID tag is arguably a pet’s best chance at coming home again if lost, but it’s not a perfect system. Some animals are experts at getting out of their collars, tags fall off or aren’t kept updated, and pet thieves toss the collar the second they grab an animal. Tags can fade, rust, or are scratched and be impossible to read. Collars can tear or slip off, or even worse, be caught on something and hurt or kill him.

Even if your pet is an “indoor’ animal safe inside, a guest or a repair person could easily leave the door hanging open, or a screen could come loose from an open window. Unaltered pets in particular will take any chance to roam. There’s a possibility that your house could be damaged in a storm, fire, or other natural disaster, causing your animal to run away in fear. Pets can even be stolen-particularly birds and exotic or purebred animals. No matter how closely you watch your favorite animal friend, there’s always a chance they could get out, and if there isn’t any ID, it will be extremely hard to find him/her.

According to the American Humane Association, only about seventeen percent of lost dogs and two percent of cats ever find their way back from shelters to their original owners. Almost 20 million pets are euthanized every year because their owners can’t be found. To give your pet the best chance to be identified, no matter how far he roams, have him implanted with a microchip.

Microchips are about the size of a grain of rice, the chip is implanted, typically beneath the skin over an animal’s shoulder blades.  The chip is made out of an inert, biocompatible substance, which means it won’t cause an allergic reaction in your pet, and it won’t degenerate over time.  When they’re implanted properly, today’s chips won’t migrate. They won’t move around or get near any delicate tissues or organs.

Once in place, the number on the chip can be read with a hand-held scanner, and that number is matched with contact information for a pet’s owner. The chip doesn’t have an internal battery or power source. Most of the time it is inactive. When the microchip reader is passed over it, it gets enough power from the reader to transmit the pet’s ID number. Since there’s no battery and no moving parts, there’s nothing to wear out or replace. The chip can’t be lost or damaged, and it lasts for the pet’s lifetime.

The procedure is simple, routine, and painless, and it doesn’t require any anesthesia. Your pet simply gets an injection just under the loose skin between the shoulder blades; it’s a lot like being vaccinated. Most animals don’t react at all.

The microchip won’t work to identify your pet unless your pet is exposed to a microchip reader a handheld scanners—just like those used in market checkout lines—that “read” the chips implanted in animals

The number on the computer chip is entered in an international database. If your dog or cat is found, an animal hospital, shelter, or humane society can use a microchip reader to read the unique ID number contained on the chip. The veterinarian or worker then calls the database, or accesses it on the computer, and enters the number given off by the microchip. The database matches the number to your name and phone number.

The price can vary from one veterinarian to another, it often falls between $30 and $40. Many veterinarians will charge even less if they perform the implantation at the same time as another procedure, like spaying, neutering, or dental work. It’s a one-time fee; the chip never needs maintenance or replacement.

One very important factor to remember is that there is usually a fee, generally under $20, to enter your pet’s ID number in a database, and there may be a small fee for changing your address, phone number, or other contact information in the database. Still, microchip identification is cheaper than making flyers, calling around town, and taking time off work to find a lost pet. It does not good to have your pet implanted with a microchip if you do not register the information and/or keep the information updated if you change phone numbers or move to another location.

Ask your veterinarian, your nearby humane society or shelter, or the animal control department in your area whether they have microchip readers readily available. If not, encourage them to get the readers. Of course, to be sure your pets will be returned to you, you should identify them as many ways as you can, with a tag, a microchip, and even a tattoo.

Everyone thinks that leashes, fences, and doors are enough to keep your pet safe at home. Remember, accidents happen, and your pet depends on you to protect her against the things that could go wrong. With a little effort now, you can take a big step toward ensuring that your pet will be with you in the future.

All pets should wear identification tags at all times. Tags should include a local contact number, as well as a number for a friend or out-of-town relative.

Microchips provide an important extra level of protection in the event your pet becomes separated from his collar and tags. Providing your pet with both tags and a microchip can help ensure a happy reunion if the unthinkable happens: your beloved pet gets lost.

 Featured dog- Stella

Stella is a beautiful young Black Lab Mix. I am a sweet girl that enjoys being petted. I would love  to go on walks and be with people but right now I can be a little shy Once I get to know you I will be your best friend and sit with you, cuddle with you and love you. All I need is someone who will give me time with them and let me, in my own time, adjust and gain back my confidence. I am well-behaved and think you’ll enjoy being with me. I seem to like the female volunteers the best.

At this time there are no other dogs available for adoption BUT we have a number of young medium to large sized dogs that will be available soon. Please check our petfinder web site www.mesquiteanimalshelter.petfinder.com

Featured cat- Smudge

*DECLAWED-INDOORS ONLY* I just need an understanding heart to get me through the transition to my new family. I would love a very quiet home with an adult or retired person where I can enjoy a relatively predictable lifestyle and where peace and quiet reign. Once I am settled into my new home, you will find that I am a happy kitty who is very independent. I might even do well with one other chill kitty friend. Are you the understanding heart I need? Would you please come meet me. Though I have lived with other animals, I may prefer to be an only pet. I would prefer a quiet home where I will be allowed to adjust at my own pace. I am sweet and sure to be a wonderful friend. 11 years old

At this time there are no other cats available for adoption Please check our petfinder web site www.mesquiteanimalshelter.petfinder.com