The microchip – Reuniting lost pets with their families
Why should I have my pet microchipped? Pet owners that have experienced the helpless feeling and agony of a missing furkid will jump to any opportunity to ensure a reunion with the missing pet, in the shortest time possible, in the case of the furkid getting lost. The microchip might provide such an opportunity.
What is a microchip and why should you get one for your pet?
It is important to note that microchips are not tracking devices. They are radio-frequency identification (RFID) implants, about the size of a rice grain, that provide permanent ID for your pet.
How is it implanted?
Each microchip is individually packaged in a sterile syringe. This is then inserted subcutaneous by a simple injection at the inoculation site (for dogs and cats) between the shoulder blades, by a veterinarian or trained person.
How does it help you find your lost pet?
Most lost animals are taken to a vet or the SPCA. The animal is scanned for a microchip, and the Identipet Database is contacted. Information (telephone and cell numbers, address and other owner details) is provided, and the owners are informed of their pet’s whereabouts.
Data shows that the average time it takes to re-home a lost pet (that has been microchipped) is two hours, compared to several days for an unidentified animal.
What are the costs?
The microchip and its insertion by a vet or SPCA can cost between R350 – R450 per animal.
Some of the misconceptions regarding microchips:
The microchip can help me as the owner to track my pet. It is important to distinguish between the microchip and GPS tracking devices. The microchip will only help your pet by providing your information to a vet or the SPCA who has scanning devices to get the information from the microchip. The microchip can not track your pet.
If my pet is microchipped he/she doesn’t need any other form of identification. A collar with your pet’s name and your contact details is always the first line of identification anyone finding your pet will use. Individuals that don’t have access to scanners to get information from the microchip will first check collars for information. Collars can be removed and then the microchip will provide information if the pet is taken to a vet or the SPCA.
Microchipping requires surgery and anesthetics. This is a misconception as the procedure is quick and does not require anesthetics.
Once my animal is microchipped, information is automatically linked to me as owner. This is not true as many animals are microchipped by breeders, shelters etc. and information need to be updated with the current owner’s details. This information should also be updated on a regular basis or if there are any changes.
Once my pet is microchipped, that’s the end of my responsibility. It is a good idea to have your vet scan and check if the microchip is still in working order during your pet’s annual check-up, although a microchip should last for your pet’s lifetime. At the same time owners can check validity of information supplied by the microchip.
Your pet and his/her safety always stays your responsibility as a responsible pet owner.
Identipet has been reuniting families since 1989 and will provide more peace of mind by significantly increasing the chances of finding Fluffy or Kitty in the unfortunate event of them getting lost.
For more assistance Identipet can be contacted directly: www.identipet.com
Source: NSPCA
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