Have you microchipped your pet? If not, we strongly suggest you take care of this as soon as possible. A microchip is small, yet it can have a big impact on your pet’s life. In this article, a Tampa, FL veterinarian answers several microchip-related questions.

What Exactly Is A Microchip?

Microchips are often tiny: about the size of one grain of rice. These are not the same microchips you would find in a phone or computer. They are RFID implants, also known as transponders, placed in incredibly small containers, which are then placed inside your pet. 

Microchips don’t send or store information. Every chip has one piece of information: a unique identification number. This is viewable using a powerful scanner.

How Do Pet Microchips Work?

Microchips are passive: they do not generate data unless and until activated by a scanner. The scanner sends radio waves, which cause the chip to broadcast the ID number back to the device. That ID number will then be displayed on the scanner’s screen.

How Are Microchips Used?

Veterinarians and animal shelter officials commonly use microchips to identify lost dogs and cats and reunite them with their owners. This simple yet efficient technology has helped thousands, if not millions, of missing pets find their way back home to their worried owners.

How Can My Pet Be Microchipped?

Microchipping your pet is a quick and straightforward procedure that takes only a few minutes. It is usually planned together with spay/neuter surgery for convenience. You can schedule it on its own, though.

Your Tampa, FL veterinarian will use a hypodermic needle to inject the chip beneath your pet’s skin. It’s usually placed between the shoulder blades. That is it!

As for what Fido and Fluffy will experience, it is similar to receiving a vaccination. There is no recovery time required. (A special treat, combined with a few additional forehead scritches, would probably not be unappreciated, though.)

How Does the Microchip Connect My Pet and Me?

Do you remember the ID number we mentioned? That number corresponds to your records in the chip manufacturer’s database. That’s how it creates an invisible connection between you and your pet. After your four-legged buddy has been microchipped, you will need to upload (and later, update) your information in the chipmaker’s registry. Contact your veterinarian for further information.

What Happens Once My Pet Is Microchipped?

Microchipping is typically a one-time process. You won’t need to do If you relocate or change your email address or phone number, make sure to update this information. If your contact information is inaccurate or out of date, the chip will not function!

It’s also a good idea to have your veterinarian examine the chip at your pet’s routine exams. This is simply to ensure that it has not fallen out of place or failed.

Can A Microchip Be Used To Track Your Pet?

No. Microchips are currently incompatible with GPS tracking and are unlikely (but not impossible) to become so in the future. This is because GPS systems require a source of power to work. Obviously, putting batteries in Fido and Fluffy is not an option. (Unfortunately, the chip is not going to get your dog to stop chasing squirrels or your cat to stop knocking things off your desk.) While we may one day discover a power source driven by purrs and tail wags, technology has not yet advanced to that point.

It’s worth mentioning that some products, such as pet doors and bowls, may be linked to microchips. These doors, for example, allow Fido to enter and exit the yard at will using a doggy door while keeping the raccoon out. If Fluffy and Mittens require different foods, you can purchase dishes that only open for the appropriate furball.

Should I Also Get A GPS Tag For My Pet?

GPS tags are an excellent invention! However, you should do considerable research before making a purchase. Several different products are available. There are numerous alternatives for subscription costs, range, technology, battery life, and water resistance. Some operate via Wi-Fi or mobile towers, while others use satellites.

How Long Will My Pet’s Microchip Last?

Microchips currently have a lifespan of approximately 25 years. This is much longer than dogs and cats generally live. 

Are Pet Microchips Really That Important?

Definitely! The microchip is a low-cost, one-time investment that might potentially save your pet’s life! This is a situation in which having something and not requiring it is far preferable to needing something and not having it.

Can You Microchip Your Pet At Home?

Absolutely not. This is a medical procedure that should only be conducted by a qualified veterinary professional. Attempting to do it on your own could go disastrously wrong. Not only might you seriously hurt your pet, but this is also illegal. You may face legal action. In some areas, this may even be deemed animal abuse, which is a felony.

Is There Any Risk In Having My Pet Microchipped?

Microchipping is quite safe. The process is performed millions of times each year, with complications being extremely rare. Your pet may get edema or inflammation, which normally goes away within a day or so. Of course, if the situation persists, please call your Tampa, FL veterinarian immediately. However, these sorts of side effects or complications are very rare.

What Are the Advantages of Microchips?

Microchips serve as an invisible safety net that connect you and your pet. They offer a few functions that tags do not. They are permanent, for starters. They are more difficult to cut and remove than collars and tags, and your pet will not rip or chew on them.

They are also easy to maintain. Remember to update your info if you move or change numbers. Simply log into your manufacturer account and change your information as needed. 

They are also legally accepted as proof in court. This could be a major game changer in theft cases.

Will ID tags For My Pet Still Be Necessary?

Absolutely! Tags remain the simplest way for someone to connect you and your pet. In addition, they are legally required in certain nations.

Can Smartphones Scan Microchips?

Unfortunately, no. Smartphones can do a variety of tasks, but there are no apps for reading chips. Given that microchips employ a separate technology, this is unlikely to change.

Can a Magnet Catch A Pet’s Microchip?

No. Microchips do not use magnetism, so magnets have no effect on them. 

Why Should You Microchip Your Pet?

This is a key component of responsible pet ownership. Do not believe that your pet will never run away. Even the most dedicated and loyal pet may be misplaced or stolen. In fact, one-third of all pets will go missing at some point in their lives! Unfortunately, only about 10% of non-microchipped pets will ever return home. Microchips can have a significant impact in this situation. They have enabled the happy reunions of thousands, if not millions, of missing canines with their owners, often years after the animal went missing!

Schedule A Microchipping Appointment At Your Tampa, FL Pet Hospital

Should your pet be microchipped? Schedule an appointment with local Tampa, FL veterinarian office. We’re ready to help!