15 Mar What is a Pet Microchip? Everything About Pet Microchipping
Being a pet parent is a wonderful feeling. Pets bring immeasurable joy in our lives; however, they also bring responsibility. A pet needs the same kind of attention and affection as a human baby does every day. They also cannot speak and tell us what they want or need, so make sure they have a good diet, get enough exercise, and sleep well. You should also make sure they have identification in case they get lost, or mixed up with another dog. How can you do this? Through a pet microchip. Read on to find out everything you need to know about pet microchips.
What Is a Pet Microchip?
A pet microchip is an identification chip, embedded under your pet’s skin. This chip is around the size of a grain of rice, measuring in at 25 millimeters in length and two millimeters in width. Standard pet microchips are the 15-digit, ISO 11784 and ISO 11785 chips. It has no battery, and works like a barcode does for a product at the supermarket checkout. These embedded chips are of great benefit to a pet parent, because they work as identification proof at veterinary centers, creature clubs, pet insurance covers, and vets. The chips are planted through injections just like a vaccine, and are just as quick and painless. A microchip is the first thing someone will check as ID proof in order to confirm your pet’s identity or return them to you in case they get lost or wander away.
Why Should You Microchip your Pet?
- Getting a unique identification number for your pet through a registered microchip.
- Confirmation and cross-referencing of immunization records of your pet against those on the chip number before any global travel/migration.
- Helps with tracing and identifying your pet at a clinic or at the vet in case they wander or get lost.
Although microchips are compulsory before any international pet travel, they should be embedded in all pets, regardless of whether or not they plan to travel. Many countries require pets to be microchipped as a rule, so that imported pets and their medical records can be cross- referenced with the ID number of the chip. As a recommendation, it is always advised to get your pet microchipped before they get their vaccinations. Some pet parents may be apprehensive of getting their babies microchipped, however the benefits are immeasurable with no downsides to the process. All pet parents should microchip their pets as soon as possible for maximum safety and convenience.
