Faust Animal HospitalFinding Lost Pets
by Dr. Teri Wiblin, D.V.M.
Every day unidentified pets are humanely destroyed in animal shelters. Over 10 million pets become lost each year according to the National Humane Society. One our of every three pets is lost during its lifetime and only one in
ten lost pets is found. Many could have been reunited with their owners if identification could have been possible. Collars break or fall off. Microchipping is a permanent identification placed under the skin between the shoulder blades of your pet that can be scanned and identified in the national
database which is manned 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You are then notified of the location of your pet.
The microchip is about the size of a grain of rice. It is made of biocompatible material, has no battery and is inactive until it is scanned. Once inserted, the microchip cannot move or be seen but can be read through the skin by a scanner. Almost any pet can by microchipped - dogs, cats, bunnies, even reptiles and birds although the procedure for reptiles and birds is a little different and may require sedation.
The cost is very reasonable - approximately $ 58.50 to microchip and register with the national database.
Microchipping is gaining popularity due to the great benefit to you and your pet and should be considered as necessary as regular checkups, vaccinations, spaying and neutering.