Microchipping is a form of permanent identification that help reunite you with your pet in the event that they are ever lost. The microchip is the size of a grain of rice and is implanted between the muscle and skin layers on the back between the shoulder blades. Because the chip is between two tissue layers it can sometimes migrate beneath the skin and can sometimes be found on the shoulders or even near the elbow. The microchip, when scanned, displays a number that is specific to your pet. The person who scans the chip can then phone the company associated with that number and inform them that your pet has been found. The microchip company can then phone you to inform you that your pet has been found so that you can be reunited. The only information that the microchip company will have is the information that you provide them with.
When your pet is first microchipped your veterinary staff will register the information for you, but after that it is your responsibility to notify the microchip company if you change your address or phone number. Microchipping does not act like a GPS locator and it does not compromise your personal information or location. Microchipping is permanent and the information associated with your chip can only be changed or transferred with ownership with your permission. The procedure is quick and simple and can be performed safely at any time in your pets life. We often recommend doing it at the time of your pets spay or neuter while they are under anesthesia so that they do not feel the ‘poke’ of the needle.