Why Should You Microchip Your Dog?

Pet owners have a lot to consider when they bring a new pet home to be part of the family. Pet ownership requires regularly exercising your pet, making sure they get proper vaccinations, mental stimulation and nutrition. Another important part of pet ownership is microchipping your dog. But why should you microchip your dog? We have the top reasons you should consider this often neglected step in pet ownership.

Why Should You Should Microchip Your Dog?

Microchipped pets are up to 20 times more likely to be reunited with their owners. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), one in three dogs will be lost at some point in their lives. More than 3.3 million stray dogs will end up in shelters each year. These are pets that are often permanently separated from their families and about 670,000 of those dogs will be euthanized. When you microchip your pet you are giving them a better chance of being reunited with you if they are ever lost.

How Does Microchipping Work?

Microchipping your dog is an easy process, and relatively painless for your pet. Microchips are injected with a special syringe just like a routine vaccination. The microchip is inserted through the needle into the skin, which doesn't require anesthesia. Once the microchip is inserted, the veterinarian will help you register your pet in a database. At Cimarron Animal Hospital, we use the HomeAgain microchip and database.

Once the procedure is complete, the pet owner will register their pet on the database. This registration process will ensure that your pet's name, veterinarian, and your personal contact information will be permanently on file. If your pet is lost and someone takes them to a shelter or vet clinic, they will show up in a national database, and you will be reunited with your pet. It's important, however, to keep your personal contact information up to date. If you move or change phone numbers you should update your information with HomeAgain or other database provider.

Microchips do not contain GPS, but they are one of the best ways to ensure you are reunited with your dog if they are ever lost. Contact Cimarron Animal Hospital to learn more about our microchipping services.