Find Your Lost Pets- Have Them Microchipped

Find Your Lost Pets- Have Them Microchipped

Rob Metras

Animals die needlessly when humans don't take the necessary action to protect them. A bold statement but a true one, and a problem that has been solved through the introduction of Microchip RFID technology.

Through the use of microchip technology today companion animals can be chipped and owners can make sure the registrations are submitted to one of the major recovery services in their country. The microchip is a small transponder that is activated by a scanner and reads the number of the chip that has been implanted in the animal. The procedure to do this involves a small needle being introduced under the loose skin between the shoulder blades of the animal and a microchip the size of a grain of rice being implanted through the sterile needle. It takes about the same time as it takes for giving the pet their shots or vaccinations. It has been used around the world and extensive testing has shown it to be safe for pets

Over 840,000 dogs and 572,320 cats suffered a needless death due to the lack of identification when they were discovered as strays. These figures come from the 1997 survey of 1000 animal shelters across the US conducted by the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy. These are alarming statistics which highlight the importance of microchipping and registering your contact information for your pet which wold dramatically lower these numbers.

When natural disasters such as Hurricane Rita or Katrina happen we see the importance of microchipping as the reunification of lost pets is enhanced. Accidents and natural disasters happen, as do open doors and unlocked fences which allow the pet to escape without being noticed. Leashes and collars as well as collar tags can fall off or be lost and animals go missing. While some purebred pets are tattooed upon birth by breeders and kennels this is still mainly done for show dogs. The responsible answer is microchipping.

A number of cities and towns require a microchip and registration as part of their licensing process, for identification and the funding of animal control services. The cost of microchip registration in the various databases is minimal compared to the anguish of a child whose favorite pet has gone missing. Adopted animals are often microchipped by animal welfare organizations while individuals can have the microchip implanted by their veterinarian for under $50.00. A small price to pay for pece of mind.

The success rate of microchipping is far better than other methods and improves on the hand written or copied notices with the pets picture on utility poles or grocery store bulletin boards. It is incumbent on owners to ensure their pets are chipped and registered, either though their vet or their local shelter. One less child relieved from tears and anguish and more animals saved from the finality of euthanasia is worth the effort.

Microchips in the US come in a Non-ISO format which are readily identified through electronic scanners in the marketplace. In Canada and most other countries in the world there is an ISO Format microchip which is read by scanners around the globe. Regardless of the chip its presence and identification can be discovered. Owners who are global travellers would be advised and in some cases required to have the ISO chip implanted. The chip identification will allow the finder or animal control agency to contact the registry to ascertain the owners contacts. it is important for owners to keep the registries advised of moves.

When an animal arrives at a shelter or is taken to a veterinarian it can be readily scanned and its microchip naumber read. Each brand of microchip, such as 24Petwatch, Avid or Home Again, has specific identifiers that indicate the manufacturer. All have call-centers which have toll-free numbers. The 24Petwatch registry allows for the regisrtation of all microchips regardless of maker. Their database is also integrated with the largest online realtime shelter management software in North America, which allows the shelter to search their database as well as those of some 850 other agencies. This combined with accurate updating by owners of address changes allows you to find your lost pet quickly.

In addition to writing on microchipping Rob Metras is interested on how to give the best care to your dogs and cats. Click on the following link for a free ebook on ( http://www.veterinarysecretsrevealed.com/cmd.php?Clk=2219736) caring for your own dogs and cats. Rob blogs at ( http://yournewdogs and cats.com/ ) on a variety of dog and feline care and pet welfare issues