Microchipping Your Pet

Over the years, there have been different ways that we “labelled” our pets just in case they went missing (name tags, rabies tags, municipality tags). Although these methods are great a lot of times when pets go missing, so do the tags. Whether the pet loses their collar or manages to rip the tags off at the park or on a walk, these are not a permanent means of identification. Low and behold, there is another option…microchipping.

Microchipping is a great way to identify stray animals when they are found, and they can’t lose them while they are out on their adventure. It is a very quick and easy process to have this done. We do recommend doing this at the time of your pet's spay/neuter if possible because we do use a larger gauge needle. A microchip is applied the same way as a vaccine is given to your furry friend. The microchip is about the size of a grain of rice that is injected under the skin between the shoulder blades and then scanned to be sure that it is in place. Then the number then gets registered to you and your pet so that they can be returned home to you if found. Just be sure to keep your address and phone number up to date with the company.

Typically, when animals are picked up by animal control or brought into a clinic or shelter, this is the first thing that is checked, and a lot of animals are returned to their families because of this great means of identification. Is your pet microchipped? If not, it may be a great thing to discuss with your veterinarian!

If you have any questions, give us a call at 902-422-8595.

Written by: Halifax Veterinary Hospital