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Somerset Veterinary Hospital

1322 Berlin Plank Rd.

Somerset, PA 15501 US

814-443-1323

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  • Three Reasons to Always Microchip Your Pets

Three Reasons to Always Microchip Your Pets

  • Created in Newsletter Library

Lost cat

3 Reasons to Microchip Your Pet

Have you been thinking about microchipping your dog or cat, but aren't sure if it's really necessary? Implanting a tiny identification chip under your pet's skin offers several important benefits.

You're Much More Likely to Be Reunited with Your Lost Pet

If you're lucky, your lost pet will find its way home eventually. Unfortunately, that's not always the case, as researchers at The Ohio University College of Veterinary Medicine discovered. They followed more than 7,000 stray pets in 53 shelters to determine how microchipping affects the odds that a pet will be reunited with its owner.

According to their study, microchipped dogs were returned to their owners 52.2% of the time, while unmicrochipped dogs were reunited with their families just 21.9% of the time. Microchipped cats were returned to their owners 38.5% of the time, versus 1.8% for cats without microchips.

Microchipping a pet only takes a few seconds and isn't painful. Your veterinarian uses a needle to inject the rice-sized microchip under your pet's skin around the shoulder blades. The chip contains a code that corresponds to a link with your current address. After your dog or cat is microchipped, you'll submit your name and address to the microchip registry. Enrollment can be done by mailing the form to the company or by completing an online form.

Once your pet is microchipped, you'll need to remember to update your address in the microchip company registry if you move. The researchers noted that incorrect information was a key reason that microchipped pets weren't reunited with their families.

Microchipping Is the Ideal Identification Method for Pets

Would anyone know your pet belonged to you if its ID tag fell off or your furry friend managed to slip its collar? Microchips stay secure under your pet's skin and provide a permanent way to identify your cat or dog.

Both veterinary offices and animal shelters scan lost pets for microchips. If someone takes your pet to one of these facilities, chances are good that you'll receive a call informing you that your pet has been found. Thanks to the introduction of universal scanners, it's easy to identify a pet no matter what type of chip is used. It's still important to put an ID tag on your pet's collar, even if it has a microchip. If a neighbor happens to find your pet, a tag makes it easy to determine where a lost pet lives.

Microchipping also prevents mix-ups that can occur if several pets at an animal shelter look the same. The chip provides evidence that your pet is undeniably yours.

Microchipping Reduces the Burden on Animal Shelters

More than 6 million dogs and cats are surrendered to animal shelters every year, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Shelters only have space for a limited number of animals and often operate on very lean budgets.

Providing food, water, shelter, and veterinary care for pets can be very costly. Microchipped pets can be quickly returned to their families, ensuring that the shelter has more room to care for lost or unwanted pets.

Microchipping is safe, simple, and provides peace of mind should your pet ever become lost. Are you ready to microchip your pet? Contact our office to schedule an appointment.

Sources:

The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine: The Microchip World: Recent Advances and Options for Shelters and Veterinarians

American Veterinary Medical Association: Microchipping FAQ

American Humane: Every Day is Tag Day – Is Your Pet Protected?, 4/1/2019

The Humane Society of the United States: High Tech: Identifying Lost Pets with Microchips

ASPCA: Pet Statistics

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Read What Our Clients Say

  • "The staff at Somerset Vet Hospital have been taking care of my "Sophie" for 11 years. They are such caring and wonderful people."
    Karen L.
  • "Thanks for providing great care for my little Tortie, Tallie when she was suffering from her skin allergies. You prompt care and tender kindness was wonderful. Being new to the area I feel very fortunate to have found your practice! Thanks!"
    Nancy
  • ""Doctor Robert Henry, We want to thank you for literally - SAVING OUR BEAUTIFUL DOBERMAN'S (Precious) LIFE. Your excellent diagnostic skills accurately diagnosed our Doberman's condition. Your protocol in treating him have made for a healthy, happy, loving and playful dog. We can never forget what you did for our dog. We cannot thank you enough"
    Kathy & Roger
  • "I came here 6 years ago when they were the only ones who would see my sick pup, and they were the best! They helped my girl get better and provided her years of loving service until we lost her to lymphoma last year. They still take care of my other babies and do an excellent job of doing so! We're patients for LIFE! Thank you guys for ALL you do :) With Love, Gina & The Crew Mountain Pride Pits."
    Gina
  • "I just wanted to take a minute to say how very grateful I am for the entire team at Somerset Veterinary Hospital. I recently had a cat and two kittens spayed/neutered, and they all came through the procedure wonderfully. Dr. Penny is THE BEST!! The vet-techs and front desk girls are always super nice and helpful. I feel good knowing that my 'family' is in good hands when being treated. Thank you all for all you do!!"
    Thomas B.

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