Have you been hearing a lot about the benefits of microchipping but haven't made the appointment yet? Waipahu Waikele Pet Hospital in Hawaii wants you to know that May is “Chip Your Pet” month at veterinary hospitals across the nation. During this time, your local veterinarians will be especially committed to educating pet owners about this important pet service.

Here are some of the benefits of chipping your pet:

• Chips Last Longer Than Collars: Collar ID tags are an important part of identifying your pet at a glance, but should they fall off or get defaced, they're useless. Microchips last for years, often for the life of your pet, and are the most reliable method of pet identification available.

• The Procedure Is Simple: Some people wonder if microchips hurt or inconvenience an animal. The answer is that the implantation process is almost no different than a vaccine administration and can be performed in only a few seconds, with no anesthetic.

• Microchips Are Discreet: A microchip is no bigger than a grain of rice, and once it has been implanted under the skin, it will not bother your pet. You likely won't notice it either, even if you feel around for it.
• Your Contact Information Is Easy To Update: Traditional ID tags often require a special errand to get updated with new contact information. Microchip data, however, can be updated simply by logging in to your registry online. Both forms of ID are important, but microchips are easier to update.
• Microchips Have Other Perks: Once the chip has been implanted and your contact details registered, you may take advantage of certain services, depending on your registry. For example, there are “lost pet alerts,” which a registry will send to nearby veterinary hospitals and shelters if your pet goes missing.

Plan on microchipping your pet? Give Waipahu Waikele Pet Hospital a call to set up your appointment at (808) 671-7387. To learn more about the veterinary hospital’s other pet services, including after-hours emergency services, visit their website.