Is Microchipping Worth It?

Microchipping is a relatively new invention that is becoming more popular. It is designed to help pet owners find their animals more easily if they are lost or stolen. A small electronic chip containing a code is inserted into your pet. If the pet is then found, scanning this code will reveal who its owners are, where they live and how to contact them. Microchipping has proven successful in reuniting pets with their owners but animal lovers are still divided over the practice. Most animals can be microchipped but it is commonly used on dogs, cats and horses.
When your pet is microchipped, it has a tiny electronic chip (about the size of a grain of rice) inserted under its skin, usually between the shoulder blades. Each animal reacts differently to the injection but it is a very quick procedure. Although your pet may feel some discomfort, if your vet is experienced in microchipping it should be a painless event.
So what are the different sides of the microchipping debate? As always, there are distinct pros and cons associated with microchipping and these are explored below.
The Advantages
There are many reasons why pets may run away or be able to escape. It might be purely accidental if someone leaves the side gate open, your dog or cat could easily slip out, become disorientated and unable to find their way home. Pets can also try and escape situations of stress, for example, dogs and cats are far more likely to try and run away during a nearby firework display than normally. Many pet owners experience problems with their pets when they move home. If the animal goes in search of its old, familiar home it can easily become lost and, depending on how far it has traveled, there may be little chance of reuniting it with its family again if it is not microchipped.
All pet owners know that their dog or cat should wear a collar and identifying tag. However, these can easily break or get lost, leaving your pet unidentifiable. Microchips are permanent they do not fall out or cause your pet any problems in the long-term.
The Disadvantages
Although the level of discomfort felt depends on the type of animal being microchipped and the vet carrying out the procedure, it is fair to say that microchipping could potentially cause your pet pain in the immediate short-term. Since they cannot communicate verbally, it is impossible to know how they really feel so it is up to you, their owner, to decide whether the procedure might be too distressing for them.
Microchipping costs money. The amounts vary and there are some organizations that will carry out the injection for free. However, it usually costs something to register your details on the national database.
Ultimately, microchipping definitely has its advantages. Although it isnt free and might cause discomfort for your pet, it lasts a lifetime and seriously improves your chances of being reunited if your pet is lost or stolen.