Pet owners often take serious measures to avoid losing their favorite furry friend. However, while you might install sturdy fencing and do your best to keep the front door shut, it is still possible for a pet to go missing. One of our most frequently requested services at Southwest Veterinary Hospital PC in Littleton, CO, is pet microchipping, which is the perfect way to get your dog or cat home faster.
Does Pet Microchipping Require Anesthesia?
The concept of implanting a microchip that provides essential data in a pet still sounds futuristic. While you might be picturing a more significant type of chip, such as what you’ll see on a computer, a veterinarian uses a smaller one for pets. Microchips are about the size of a tiny grain of rice, and all we have to do is use a hypodermic needle to place it in your pet’s skin. The process works like giving a vaccination and doesn’t require any pain medication. Most pet owners are so surprised at how gentle and straightforward the procedure is that they wish they’d done it sooner.
What Information Does a Microchip Provide to a Vet?
Our animal hospital's microchips contain a unique identification number associated with the information in a database. When a vet scans the chip, they can get your contact information about your pet’s location. Then, depending on your preferences, you can add more information to the database that could help someone find your pet. For example, some people prefer to place a notice in the database that their pet has a severe food allergy or seizures.
When Should You Bring to the Animal Hospital for Microchipping?
Our veterinarian loves seeing our youngest furry patients get microchips as soon as possible. Microchipping pets during their early months helps minimize the risk of running off while learning how to manage behavior. But, of course, you can microchip your pet at any time. Even senior pets could benefit from the technology available to find them if they wander away.
Can You Bring a Found Pet in for Scanning?
Reading a microchip requires a special scanner, and we don’t mind checking pets that people find to help get them back to their owner. Police officers also tend to have scanning equipment, which is helpful if you find a pet when you can’t get it to our veterinary clinic.
Schedule Microchipping at Our Veterinary Clinic
Placing a microchip is a quick and straightforward way to ensure your pet is found if it somehow escapes the safety of your house. Call Southwest Veterinary Hospital PC in Littleton, CO, today at (303) 794-2697 to book your pet microchipping appointment.
