SolveYourProblem.com Article Series: Dog Care
Dog Care Tips
Should
I Microchip My Dog?
Yes.
Each
year, more than 10 million pets are lost. It can easily
happen, no matter how much we all try to prevent
it. When your pet is lost and if they do not have a collar
or their collar gets lost, it can be very difficult for
them to find their way home. According to the American
Humane Association, only about 17% of lost dogs and 2% of
lost cats
ever find their
owners. Nearly 20 million pets are euthanized
each year because their owners cannot be located. If your
pet
is microchipped,
there is a much greater chance that they will return to
you safely. Microchips will last for your pet’s lifetime
as there
are no moving parts and nothing to replace. A microchip is a small computer chip that has an identification
number programmed into it. It is small enough to fit into a
hypodermic needle. Once implanted, the I.D. number cannot be
altered or removed. Once the chip is implanted, a layer of
connective tissue forms around the chip preventing it from
moving about.
Some people are hesitant to microchip their pet because they
are afraid it will hurt. The procedure is simple, routine,
and painless, and it doesn't require any anesthesia. Your pet
simply gets an injection just under the loose skin between
the shoulder blades; it's a lot like getting vaccinated. Most
animals don't react at all. Long term studies have shown that
the microchip is very safe for your pets.
The chip contains an identification code that is unique to
your pet. Most veterinarians and animal shelters have scanners
that can read that identification code. Most use universal
scanners that will read all brands of microchips.
There are two major manufacturers of microchips. One of the
most popular is the AVID (American Veterinary Identification
Devices) microchip. When you get an AVID microchip implanted
in your dog, you will register with PETrac. Your veterinarian
will have the application information to send in to PETrac.
If you do not receive this information, or if your information
such as address, phone number, or veterinarian changes, you
may call PETrac directly at (800) 336-2843 to make the appropriate
changes. Your dog will also receive a tag for his collar with
his AVID microchip number prominently displayed. When your
lost pet is found, they will be scanned and the information
will be called in to PETrac. Their database will bring up your
information and you will be notified immediately.
Another popular brand of microchip is the Schering-Plough
HomeAgain microchip. Once your pet is microchipped with the
Schering-Plough HomeAgain microchip, you will register with
the American Kennel Club (AKC) Companion Animal Recovery (CAR)
program. This program maintains a national database and is
available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Just as with AVID’s
PETrac system, when your lost pet is found, they will be scanned,
the number will be called into the AKC-CAR (1-800-252-7894)
and you will be notified immediately. A microchip provides
permanent identification unlike tags alone. When you register,
you provide information to the AKC-CAR - your contact information,
your veterinarian‘s information and an alternate contact. The
program personnel will call the other numbers if you cannot
be reached. Remember to contact the AKC-CAR if you any of the
above information changes.
The system works! More than 1 ½ million
pets are enrolled in the AKC Companion Animal Recovery program
and 97% have HomeAgain
microchips. 126,034 lost pets have been reunited with their
owners thanks to this program which has a 100% success rate.
Every found pet in its system has been identified.
The American Society for the prevention of cruelty to animals
(ASPCA) also supports the use of microchip IDs for animal identification.
They feel that it is the most reliable system for the recovery
of lost pets.
Ideally, leashes, fences, and doors would be enough to keep
your pet safe at home, but in the real world, accidents happen,
and your pet depends on you to protect him or her against the
things that could go wrong. With a little effort now, you can
take a big step toward ensuring that your pet will be with
you in the future.
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SolveYourProblem.com : 2007
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