In the wake of the Boulder County fires, I like many other pet owners in the Denver area, are reevaluating the level of preparedness should something happen. Donate here to help support the pets impacted by this tragedy.
I’ve come to realize I’ve been a bit aloof when it comes to my dog’s microchips and there is a lot I wasn’t aware of.
Many pet owners, like myself, get their pets microchiped and then don’t really think about it again. This can lead to unfortunate issues, should your pet get separated from you.
Here’s what you need to know about getting the most out of your dog’s microchip.
1. Make sure it’s registered.
This seems like a given, but a lot of people forget to register their pet’s microchip. This can happen because the paperwork gets lost, forgotten, or just overlooked for whatever reason.
There are many different brands of microchip and multiple databases available to register them. I personally use HomeAgain.
2. Make sure your information is up to date.
On your things to do when you move list, updating your dog’s microchip information needs to be towards the top.
One of the first things shelters and vet offices do when someone brings in a lost pet is scan for a chip. Many times, this information is out of date and makes finding owners that much harder or can stop the process of looking for an owner entirely.
3. Have it checked regularly.
Microchips, like all technology, are not perfect. They can migrate to different locations on the body or even come out. Lost Pet Reseach has a great article on why many microchipped pets never return home.
A good rule of thumb is to have your vet check it at your dog’s annual check up.
It’s better to be prepared and have nothing happen than to be under prepared and have something awful happen. So, go out and double check your pet’s microchip!
