Hello everyone! Your friend Tuki came to you from my habitat in the Potter Union. I hope you all have a great time. Guess what, it’s that time of year again! (Sorry parents, I didn’t mean to go back to school now!) It’s time for Chip Check Day, which is Monday, August 2nd this year. 15. I know we’ve discussed this before, but there are many new pet parents who may not be familiar with it.
Check the Chip Day was created by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) to remind pet owners to microchip their pets (if they haven’t already) and, more importantly, to include the information It is kept up to date in the Microchip Registry.
Imagine if your pet went exploring like pets sometimes do and couldn’t find their way home. Making sure they have a microchip and that the information on the microchip registry is up to date will help them get home faster! If you adopt a pet from a shelter, they may have been microchipped, and shelter staff will provide you with this information before bringing your new pet home. If your new pet is not microchipped, most veterinarians can place a microchip, so you should make arrangements when you bring your pet for your first checkup.
What is a pet microchip?
One thing new pet parents want to know is, “Will placing a microchip harm my pet?” A microchip is about the size of a grain of rice and is placed by injection, just like when your pet is vaccinated, so It won’t hurt them like getting vaccinated every year, and they may be treated afterwards!
Adopt a rabbit:July is Rescued Rabbit Month, and these tips will help smooth the transition
Microchips are not Global Positioning System (GPS) trackers, so if they get lost, they won’t be able to find your pet. Microchips contain a code and the name of the chip manufacturer. This code is read when your pet is scanned with a special scanner, and most veterinarians and shelters have scanners. This code allows anyone who finds your pet to check the appropriate microchip registry and find you so your pet can go home! This is why it is so important to keep the information in the Microchip Registry up to date.
Some registries also allow you to provide information about your pet, such as any medical conditions or behavioral issues, so that those who find them know if they need any special attention until they get back to you.
Why use a microchip instead of a collar tag?
You might think your pet doesn’t need a microchip because they wear a collar with a tag, but the collar could come off, or the information on the tag could get scratched and become unreadable. Microchips are permanent. They don’t fall off and are always readable – with a scanner, of course! These chips are permanent, another reason it’s so important to keep all contact information up to date.
Today, more and more people travel with their pets, which is another reason to microchip them and keep their registration information up to date. If you plan to travel or move abroad for you and your pet, the International Standards Organization (ISO) has approved a global standard for microchips to create a consistent system around the world, which is great news for all world travelers ! Just make sure your pet has an ISO standard microchip in case they decide to explore a new country on their own!
If you have a cat, you might be thinking, “My cat doesn’t go out and doesn’t go very far, so I don’t really need to buy another microchip.” Even if your cat is an indoor cat, sometimes you Your cat can also get out – cats are curious and are good at finding their way out if they see something of interest.
How effective are pet microchips?
One study showed that dogs without microchips were returned to their people about 22 percent of the time, but dogs with microchips were sent home 52 percent of the time. The cat without the microchip was sent home about 2% of the time, but the cat with the microchip was sent home 39% of the time! *
Tips for raising cats:Considering adopting a cat?Check out these Potter League tips to find the best fit
There are many different registries where you can register your pet’s microchip, but the most important is the one provided or sponsored by your pet’s microchip manufacturer. Some registries charge an annual fee for registering pet information. The American Animal Hospital Association’s (AAHA) Universal Pet Microchip Finder is linked to most microchip manufacturers and many public databases, making it easier to reunite with your pet!
By now, I think you’ll agree that getting a microchip for your dog or cat is a very good idea – when you do, don’t forget to “check the chip” regularly and keep all your information up to date , so your pet can find its way home!
Enjoy the rest of summer!
Your friend,
Tukey
Mail questions to Tuki, PO Box 412, Newport, RI 02840, or email TukiTalk@PotterLeague.org. Potter’s Animal League can be found at 87 Oliphant Lane in Middletown and potterleague.org.