Pets are part of the family, and there is nothing worse than when one of our beloved furry family members goes missing. The anxiety and stress that are triggered by a lost pet can be grueling, making every hour feel like it drags on for an eternity. It can take a lot of man-hours, effort, and resources as we search and try to track down our furry little friends. When they're gone, there is no way to know what kind of danger they may be experiencing.
The best pet owners were once able to do was to run around the neighborhood hanging signs and putting up pictures in hopes that someone would spot the pet and help him find his way home. Thankfully, in the modern age, we have technology on our side. We can have our pets microchipped.
What Is Microchipping a Pet?
Microchips for pets are tiny transponders that emit radio frequencies that carry identifying information. They are very tiny—about the size of a grain of rice—and can be inserted under your pet's skin. When scanned, a unique identification number helps the microchip company find you and reunite you with your pet.
Do Microchips Hurt Pets?
Microchips are no different from when your dog gets a vaccination shot or a blood test—a quick pinch, and it's over. There is no need to sedate animals and the procedure is completely safe.
How to Use Pet Microchips
Your veterinarian can implant a microchip in your dog. Chances are, if you adopted your pet from a shelter or bought him from a breeder, he may already be microchipped.
Once the chip is in place, your pet won't even know it is there. Your job is to contact the microchip company (your vet, shelter, or breeder will give you the information) to register your pet and give your contact information. If you change your phone number or move, you should update your contact information with the company.
If your pet is ever found wandering around, the person who finds him will most likely contact a local shelter, animal control, or veterinarian. These facilities can scan the microchip to get your pet's ID number so that the microchip company can contact you and tell you where you can find your beloved animal.
How The Animal Doctors Can Help
We here at The Animal Doctors of Palo Alto would be happy to provide you with information and microchip your pet for you. We understand just how precious pets are, and we know things can happen—a leash can break, a collar and tag can fall off, and a cat can slip unnoticed through a door when you're distracted. We want to do everything we can to make sure you have your furry family member home safe as soon as possible.
The Animal Doctors have been in business for 40 years taking care of pets and their humans, serving the San Francisco Bay area. Word-of-mouth from our satisfied clients has been our best means of advertisement. Our team offers experienced, expert veterinary care combined with an old-fashioned bedside manner and compassion.
If you want to microchip your pet, make an appointment. We service clients in the San Francisco Peninsula, including Atherton, Cupertino, East Palo Alto, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Menlo Park, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Portola Valley, Redwood City, Stanford, and Woodside.
