Cats are often kept as indoor-only pets. And dogs are let out on a leash or in a secure fenced-in area and learn to come when they're called (most of the time.) But sometimes, things happen. That space under the fence is bigger than it looks and the dog wriggles his way under to explore. You're pulling a package in the front door just as that interesting bird goes flitting across the yard, and off your cat goes like a shot. You can get a tag engraved for your pet’s collar, but collars come off and phone numbers change. What you need is permanent identification so that you have a way to track your pet no matter the circumstances.
What Is Permanent Identification?
In most cases, permanent identification comes in the form of a microchip that is implanted under your pet's skin by a veterinarian. This chip is about the size of a grain of rice and contains information that you enter on the company website, or over the phone. A microchip is inserted by needle, and the experience is comparable to receiving a vaccine. Permanent identification chips can also be implanted when your pet is having some other surgery, such as a spay or neuter surgery, and are already under anesthesia. If you move, or if any of your contact information changes, it only takes a few minutes to contact the microchip company to update the information - which is much more convenient than getting new a new nametag printed with your new phone number. (Although we recommend you do that as well!)
How Are Microchipped Pets Located?
Microchip companies share the information in your pet's permanent identification with veterinary offices and shelters across the country via RFID (Radio Frequency Identity Device). If someone finds your pet and brings them to a local vet or shelter, the vet will be able to scan for a chip and read your contact information to reunite you with your pet. A single implant will usually stay active for your pet's entire life. While microchips are most commonly associated with dogs and cats, they can also be used to keep track of horses and birds.
Veterinarian in Littleton, CO
At Southwest Veterinary Hospital, we have years of experience providing residents of Littleton, CO, and the surrounding areas with reliable veterinary care services including permanent identification. To learn more about permanent identification for your pet or to schedule an appointment with our veterinarian, contact us today at (303) 794-2697.
