From providing a healthy diet to scheduling regular veterinarian visits, there are many ways to care for your pet. In addition to these everyday practices, there is also one tactic you can use to promote your dog or cat’s safety as soon as they enter your life. Investing in a microchip, or a small device which is inserted gently in under your pet’s skin, provides important information so you can be notified if your pet is lost. Discover some incentives for having your pet microchipped below.

Why Microchipping Your Pet Is Crucial

1. A Permanent ID Tag

Both dogs and cats should have collars with an ID tag that includes your contact information. This is typically the first identifier people will look for should they ever come across an animal that is lost. However, collars and harnesses can slip off, especially if you have an active pet. Microchips are strategically inserted by veterinarians in a location where they can be easily scanned, acting as a permanent ID system that can never fall off.

2. Proof of Ownership

Although it’s scary to think about, pet theft is a reality. If your pet ever gets stolen or if someone tries to take your pet after they’ve run away, your animal’s microchip will trace their ownership back to you. Many shelter workers and veterinarians scan animals for chips upon first meeting them. If a dispute over ownership were to ever ensue, you’d be determined the rightful owner, thanks to the microchip which contains your information.

3. Increased Likelihood of Being Returned

Having your animal run away is every pet owner’s worst nightmare. Yet, it can happen all too easily. Animals can climb over or under fences, slip through open doors, and run off if they’re scared or in an unfamiliar environment. When your dog or cat is microchipped, however, anyone who finds your pet can trace the animal to you. Research shows pets with microchips are at least 2.5 more likely to be returned to their owners than those without.

If you haven’t microchipped your pet, allow the caring team at Fairport Animal Hospital to help. Serving Monroe County, NY, this full-service veterinarian’s office treats cats, dogs, small animals, birds, and exotic pets. They offer preventive services and treatments for illnesses and injuries. Explore their list of services online or call (585) 388-1070 to schedule an appointment.