Pet I.D. Microchipping

Having a lost or missing pet can be one of the most stressful times for a pet owner. With springtime outdoor activities taking place, this is one of the most common times to have a pet run away. Having your pet I.D. microchipped gives your animal the best chance of getting back to you in the shortest amount of time.

What is an I.D. microchip?

An I.D. microchip is a small, passive RFID device that is implanted under an animal’s skin. The device is loaded with information about the animal and its owner, along with contact information to help reunite the lost pet and its family.

How does it work?

There are many instances where an animal and its owner can be separated. Whether the pet was lost, ran away, or was even stolen, an I.D. microchip can identify an animal and even prove its rightful owner.

When you have your pet microchipped it receives a special electronic identification number. This number is read by scanners when passed over the microchipped area. Nearly all law enforcement offices and all veterinarian clinics have these microchip readers along with many animal shelters. When an animal is found or brought to one of these groups, one of the first things they check is the I.D. microchip information. The electronic I.D. number is then looked up in an online database and more information is found out about the animal.

Unlike tags and collars that can often come off or be lost, microchips stay safely in place with the animal always. The chips do not require any battery or energy source and are usually good for the life of the animal. The information on a chip can be updated when contact information or addresses change.

Where do I get one?

The actual process of installing the microchip takes just a minute. The chips are implanted right between the shoulder blades just under the skin of your pet. The chips are small, about the size of a grain of rice, and are injected like they are getting a shot or vaccinated. Most veterinarian offices can get your pet microchipped. Many shelters such as CVHS can microchip your pet if it is not already. All animals that CVHS sends home through adoption are microchipped and identified for the new owner. If you would like to have CVHS microchip your animal, please call us at (319) 362-6288 to arrange an appointment. The normal cost is only $35 (in some instances CVHS holds low-cost microchipping clinics) and can save a great deal of headache or heartbreak!