Becoming a pet owner involves making several important decisions, from selecting the right veterinarian to getting them microchipped. Pet microchipping is an excellent way to help you locate your pet if they become lost. When determining if microchipping is right for your pet, consider the following four misconceptions about this product.

4 Microchipping Myths Busted

1. It Hurts Your Pet

Pet microchipping doesn’t involve anesthesia or surgery — it’s actually relatively similar to getting a shot. The chip is made from an inert, biocompatible material, which means it shouldn’t cause an allergic reaction. It’s tiny and takes a matter of seconds to have placed on your animal, typically under the skin between the shoulder blades.

2. Your Animal Doesn’t Need One

While your pet may wear a collar with identifying information, microchipping is an excellent back-up method for locating your pet in the event they become lost. Collars can be removed, tags can fall off, but microchips are permanently implanted into your animal, making it easy to discover your pet.

3. Your Information Will Be Accessible

The microchip itself is incredibly small — similar to a grain of rice — which means it doesn’t have all your private information on it. Instead, when professionals scan the chip, they will be provided with a number they can use to contact your microchipping company. Then, once their identity is verified, they will be provided with your contact information.

4. The Procedure Is Too Expensive

Pet microchipping actually isn’t a costly procedure; most veterinarians charge anywhere from $25-60 total. If you adopt your animal, it’s possible this will already be included in the adoption fee. And considering most animal shelters and veterinarians scan lost pets for these microchips, it makes it invaluable when finding your lost animal.

If you’re still on the fence about pet microchipping, talk more with a veterinarian about the benefits of this option. Troy & Wentzville Veterinary Clinic has locations in Troy and Wentzville, MO, and offers several important health services to pets in the surrounding communities. Whether you need pet microchipping or vaccinations, the veterinarians at Troy & Wentzville Veterinary Clinics have the knowledge and skillset available to treat your animals. To learn more about this veterinary practice, visit their website. You can also reach their Troy office by calling (636) 528-4534, and their Wentzville location at (636) 327-6488.