Helping reunite pets & their owners
Unfortunately, I find that there are many misconceptions about how the procedure is done and how it can help you find a lost pet.
Microchips are very small computer chips encased in bio-compatible glass.
The computer chip is programmed with a unique identification number that no other chip contains.
It is about the size of a grain of rice, and because the glass surrounding it is bio-compatible, the chip can be safely inserted under the skin of a pet with a hypodermic needle attached to an injector.
The chip becomes imbedded in the connective tissue under the skin and stays in that area for the life of your pet.
To find and read the chip, a scanner using a radio signal is used.
Once the number from the chip is obtained, it's entered into a computer database that matches the number to information about the owner.
In this way, a pet can be reunited with its owner.
Now, I'll address a few common questions.
Microchipping does not help locate your pet
The chip only identifies you as the owner if your pet is taken to a shelter or veterinary clinic for scanning.
There are no GPS capabilities, although that would be a nice touch.
Microchipping does not harm your pet
Insertion hurts about as much as any common injection.
Scanning is painless, and because the glass case used is biologically inert, there should be no irritation to the tissues.
Microchips last for the life of the pet
There are no batteries or moving parts, and there is no maintenance required.
Privacy issues are minimal
You provide the information to the database.
The registry I use allows you to set up the password on your account, and then asks nothing more intrusive than your name, phone number, and e-mail address.
Updates are then the responsibility of the owner, and there are no further charges for the lifetime of the pet.
Other registries may work differently, but this has been my experience.
Microchipping is recommended for all pets because any pet might escape or be lost in circumstances beyond our control.
For more information, contact your veterinarian or stop by for a visit.
I'm happy to answer any questions you might have about the procedure or your pet.
Dr. Berry owns and operates the Skillman Animal Clinic which offers medical and surgical services for dogs and cats.
The clinic is located in the Lake Highlands Plaza shopping center at 9661 Audelia Road, Suite 340.
Readers can submit questions to Dr. Berry by commenting on her articles or emailing .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
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