Chip identification reunites lost pets with family when the contact information is correct. Sadly, one in three pets will go missing from home during their lifetimes. Without correct identification, 90% of missing pets never return home. Getting lost is the primary cause of death for pets.
August 15 is National Check the Chip Day. As a way to remind pet owners to have their pet microchipped and to update contact information with a registry, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) created the annual National Check the Chip Day.
When a lost pet arrives at a veterinary clinic or animal shelter, it is scanned for a microchip. The microchip is linked to a registry with contact information. It’s important to understand that a microchip is permanent identification, not a GPS device to track a lost pet. If the registry information is up-to-date, the pet can quickly be reunited with the family.
One study showed:
- Over 50% of microchipped dogs were returned; only 22% without a microchip were reunited
- Nearly 40% of microchipped cats were returned; less than 2% without a microchip were reunited
“It’s important for pet owners to keep their contact information updated. You never think your pet will be lost, but if it happens, you’ll want to be called as soon as your pet is found. We love happy reunions,” said Dr. Laura Weis of Doylestown Veterinary Hospital.
In addition to the microchip, Doylestown Veterinary Hospital also offers the nanochip. The nanochip responder is smaller than the standard microchip and is administered using a smaller needle, so it’s easier and less traumatic for the pet. Chip identification is safe for pets and the technology works with standard Universal chip scanners.
If your dog or cat does not have a micro/nanochip, call your veterinarian today to have one administered.
If your dog or cat does have a micro/nanochip, you can have the chip scanned for the identification number so you can join a registry like Home Again or FetchID, or make sure your contact information is correct.
For more information on micro/nanochip registries, please visit:
