It’s not uncommon for pets to wander off to explore the area. Sometimes, pets become lost and can’t find their way home. A lost pet can be very upsetting for the owner and contacting shelters and putting up lost pet signs requires a great deal of effort. Microchipping involves the insertion of a tiny chip under the skin of the animal. When scanned, this chip will reveal the pet’s owner's contact information so that the pet and owner can be quickly reunited. At North Hill Animal Hospital in Sherwood, AR, we offer microchipping services to help identify your pet in case of their getting lost. Following are the answers to questions our veterinarian frequently receives regarding microchipping.
What Is Microchipping?
A microchip is essentially a radio-frequency transponder. The chip is about the size of a grain of rice. It contains a unique identification number that corresponds to a pet owner’s contact information that is registered in a database. This tiny chip can be inserted under the skin of an animal. If the animal becomes lost, the agency that finds the animal can use a "reader" device to get the number on the chip and then notify that owner that the pet has been found.
Is A Microchip a Tracking Device?
No, a microchip cannot track an animal’s movements or location. The lost pet is turned into a vet or animal welfare agency and the number is “read” off the chip and then matched with the owner's contact information on the database.
How Is Microchipping Done?
Microchipping is done at a vet’s office. The veterinarian inserts the microchip under the animal’s skin using a sterilized needle. No anesthetic is needed, and the pet can resume normal activities immediately after the procedure.
Does Microchipping Hurt the Animal When Inserted?
Inserting a microchip causes no more discomfort to the animal than a standard vaccination.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Millions of animals have been microchipped, and side effects are very rare. Some animals may have soreness at the injection site for a day or two.
Make North Hill Animal Hospital Your Veterinarian in Sherwood, AR
Dr. Campbell and Dr. Mounts use their training and experience to ensure the health of their patients in Sherwood, AR, and the surrounding areas. We offer many veterinary services, including vaccinations, wellness exams, surgery, diagnostics, lab services, pharmacy services, dental care, and laser therapy. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call North Hills Animal Hospital today at (501) 955-0911.