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. 1
out of every 3 pets is lost during its lifetime and only 1 in 10 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 and day, 7 days a week.
You are then notified of the location of your pet.
Here at Faust we
have the seen the benefit of microchipping numerous times to unite lost
pets and their loved ones.
It always makes us feel great when we make that call!!!
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 be microchipped – dogs, cats, bunnies, even
reptiles and birds although the procedure for reptiles and birds is a
little different and may require sedation.
The procedure for dogs, cats and rabbits does not require
sedation.
The cost is very
reasonable – $39.99 which includes the first year of registration in 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 or neutering.