Everything You Need to Know About Microchipping Your Pet
No one thinks they’ll lose their pet, until one moment they’re by your side, and the next, they’ve slipped away for any number of reasons. Unfortunately, it just happens.
That’s where microchipping comes in—a simple, permanent form of identification that significantly increases the chances of reuniting lost pets with their families.
At Langley Animal Clinic, we’ve seen countless happy reunions made possible by microchips. If you’ve been wondering whether microchipping is right for your pet, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about this important safety measure.
What Is a Pet Microchip?
When a lost pet is brought to a veterinary clinic or animal shelter, staff members use a special scanner to check for a microchip. If one is present, the scanner displays the identification number, which can then be used to look up your contact details and reunite you with your pet.
It’s important to understand that a microchip is not a GPS tracking device. It doesn’t allow you to track your pet’s location in real-time. Instead, it serves as a permanent form of identification that can’t fall off.
Why Microchip Pets: The Benefits That Matter
The statistics speak for themselves when it comes to pet microchipping. Research shows that microchipped dogs are more than twice as likely to be returned to their owners compared to those without chips, and microchipped cats are more than 20 times more likely to make it home safely.
Permanent Identification You Can Count On
Unlike collars and tags, which can break, fall off, or be removed, a microchip provides permanent identification that stays with your pet for life. There’s no battery to replace, no maintenance required, and no way for the chip to be lost or damaged under normal circumstances.
Quick and Effective Reunions
When a lost pet arrives at a veterinary clinic or animal shelter, scanning for a microchip is one of the first steps staff members take. Within seconds, they can access your contact information and begin the process of getting your pet home. This quick identification can mean the difference between a few anxious hours and days or weeks of searching.
Required for Travel
If you’re planning to travel internationally with your pet, a microchip is mandatory in most countries, including the United States and throughout Europe. Having your pet microchipped now means you’ll be prepared for any future travel plans.
Peace of Mind for Indoor Pets
Affordable Protection
The Microchipping Procedure: What to Expect
One of the most common concerns we hear from pet owners is whether microchipping hurts. The good news is that the procedure is quick, safe, and causes only momentary discomfort—similar to a routine vaccination.
The Process Step by Step
During your appointment, we’ll use a sterile needle to inject the microchip beneath your pet’s skin, typically between the shoulder blades. The entire process takes just a few seconds, and no anesthetic is required. Most pets tolerate the procedure very well, with just a brief pinch sensation.
After the chip is implanted, we’ll scan it immediately to confirm it’s working properly and readable. We’ll then help you register the chip with the national database, ensuring your contact information is on file.
When to Microchip Your Pet
Puppies and kittens can be safely microchipped as early as eight weeks of age, and we often recommend doing it during their initial vaccination appointments. Adult pets can be microchipped at any time during a regular veterinary visit.
After the Procedure
There is no special aftercare required following microchipping. Your pet can resume normal activities immediately. The chip will settle into place within 24 hours, and you may be able to feel it as a small, firm object beneath the skin. This is completely normal.
Some mild soreness at the injection site is possible, but serious complications are extremely rare. The chips we use are biocompatible and designed to last your pet’s entire lifetime without causing any adverse reactions.
Keeping Your Microchip Information Current
Update Your Information When You Move
Add Secondary Contacts
Check Your Registration Annually
Microchips and Collar Tags: A Complete Identification System
While we strongly advocate for microchipping, it’s important to understand that microchips work best as part of a complete identification system. Your pet should always wear a collar with current ID tags in addition to having a microchip.
Here’s why both matter: if a neighbour finds your lost pet wandering nearby, they can immediately see your phone number on the collar tag and call you right away. However, if your pet’s collar comes off or if they’re brought to a shelter or veterinary clinic, the microchip provides that crucial backup identification.
Think of it this way: collar tags are your first line of defence for a quick reunion, while microchips are your permanent safety net.
Taking the Next Step to Protect Your Pet
At Langley Animal Clinic, we’ve been caring for pets in our community since 1943, and we understand how much your furry family members mean to you. Our experienced team makes the microchipping process quick, comfortable, and stress-free for both you and your pet.
Ready to give your pet the protection of a microchip? Booking an appointment is easy. You can call us during our extended hours or use our convenient online booking system to schedule a visit that fits your schedule. If your pet is due for a wellness exam or vaccinations, we can easily add microchipping to that appointment.
