Benefits of Microchipping Dogs
Every year pet parents lose their beloved cats and dogs because they go missing. Finding a lost furry family member is difficult when they are not microchipped. Not all missing pets end up at animal shelters and rescues. Some are taken in by other families when they cannot find the owners.
What Is Microchipping?
Microchipping is installing a tiny chip the size of a grain of rice under the skin in between the shoulder blades. A microchip in your pet does not have a battery or other power source, so it is completely safe. In addition, the process is relatively simple and can be done at veterinary offices.
How Does a Microchip Work?
A microchip scanner is used to scan the microchip, which transmits a unique identification number. This number is recorded by your veterinarian, along with your contact information. The information should also be registered with your area’s appropriate animal control agency council.
Some veterinarians will do this for you, others will provide you with the information, and it is your responsibility to register your dog. In the event your dog goes missing, they are scanned. As long as the microchip number was registered, your information is retrieved. Then you are contacted and informed where your dog is being held so you can pick them up.
Is Dog Microchipping Painful?
Dog microchipping is not a painful process. Since the microchip is so small and placed under the skin, your dog probably will not even realize the procedure was completed. However, you may want to give them a treat afterward if you notice they jerk as the microchip is inserted.
How Long Does a Microchip Last?
Animal microchips are designed to last forever. So there should never be any reason to replace it. However, if your dog is injured or requires surgery in between the shoulder blades, it is a good idea to ensure the chip is still there.
Why Wearing a Collar and Tags Is Insufficient
Many pet owners think that if their cat or dog has a collar and tags, it will be enough if they become lost. However, collars can come off, resulting in lost tags. Without their collar and tags, your dog is considered another lost pet. Therefore, microchipping is the only way for someone to know your dog has a home.
Is Microchipping Mandatory?
In Australia, most states and territories require pet owners to microchip their cats and dogs. Failure to do so could result in a penalty. However, the requirement often only applies to pets born after mandatory microchipping went into effect. So, there can still be numerous pets that are not microchipped.
Do I Need to Update My Dog’s Microchip Information?
You need to update your dog’s microchip information if you move or change phone numbers. This is easy to do through your veterinarian’s office or local animal control agency council. The chip in your dog is scanned to retrieve your contact information, and then you provide the new information. Then it is saved, so your dog’s microchip is current.
Benefits of Microchipping Dogs and Cats
- Microchips work with secure pet doors so only your dog or cat can enter or leave your home.
- Microchips make it easier to ensure your pet is returned to you should they go missing.
- You do not have to worry if your dog’s collar falls off, as they have a secondary way of being identified.
- Ensuring pets are microchipped can help save their lives. Unfortunately, when pets are kept in pounds for too long, the owners cannot be found, they cannot be adopted, and they are sadly euthanized.
- Animal shelters and rescues have it easier to return lost pets when they are microchipped.
- It is easy to prove ownership of your pets should some attempt to steal them and claim them as their own.
- Pet parents can have peace of mind for their pets if they allow them to roam around outdoors freely.
Pet Doors with Microchip Compatibility
As you can see, there are numerous benefits of microchipping dogs and cats. To find microchip pet doors that are compatible with your pet’s microchip, explore our online store or contact Australia Pet Doors at 0437-644-330 or +61-437-644-330 today.