You might be wondering if it is worth it to microchip your pet. This post breaks it down so you can make an informed decision.
We’re sure that you have heard the term “microchipping”, or perhaps your vet has asked you whether your pet is microchipped.
Well, in case you are not sure what on earth this term means, and why it should even matter to you, we’ve created this one-stop guide to everything you need to know about microchipping your pets (and why it’s such a good idea).
What is microchipping?
Microchipping refers to the insertion of a small microchip just below the skin of your pet, between their shoulder blades. The procedure is no more painful than a normal vaccine and can be done without anaesthetic. It takes mere moments for your pet to be microchipped.
This fantastic technological advancement allows your pet to be identified should they ever go missing or be found without you. This is because these tiny chips contain important information to help identify your pet!
Every microchip has a unique number which can be detected using a special microchip scanner. This number is recorded on a registry with details about your pet and you, the owner.
The vet or animal rescue employee who scans the microchip your pet has had inserted can then use this number to find your contact details on the registry, and let you know your fur baby is safe and where they can be collected from.
Which pets can be microchipped?
Because microchips are so small, any of your four-legged friends can be microchipped! It is recommended that you microchip your pet when they are between 8 weeks and 12 weeks old, but your older fur bestie can absolutely be microchipped too!
How much does Microchipping cost?
It usually costs between R250 and R450 to microchip your pet, which includes the chip and the procedure, depending on where you go to get it done. Keep in mind, however, that this is a once-off cost for a lifetime of relief knowing your pet can be identified and returned to you should they ever go missing.
Where to microchip your pet?
If you decide to microchip your pet, you can visit your nearest veterinarian or your local SPCA, and they will be able to assist with the procedure.
So, why is it a good idea to microchip your pet?
The best way to answer this question is to look at the statistics. Based on information collected by the SPCA, 95% of pets who go missing but have some form of identification are reunited with their pet parents. However, only about 2% of cats and 15-20% of dogs with no identification are returned to their owners.
This drastic difference in numbers shows that the probability of you finding Fido after he bolted out your open gate is much lower if he’s not microchipped.
Recent research shows that there are as many as 4 million stray pets in South Africa alone. Beloved four-legged family members being unable to reunite with their loved ones due to lack of identification is a massive contributor to this.
If you microchip your pet, you are making sure your fur baby doesn’t become on of those 4 million strays.
Read: How Social Media Has Made it Easier to Adopt a Pet
Things to remember:
Although you can almost forget about your pet’s microchip once it’s inserted, there are a few things to keep in mind.
- You need to keep your details up to date. If you change your phone number or you move to a new home, you need to ensure that you update your details in the microchip database. This can be done by contacting the company who your chip is registered with, and letting them know what the updated details are.
- If your pet changes owners for whatever reason, their microchip details will need to be updated to the new owner’s details.
- It is rare but possible for your pet’s microchip to migrate to a different place in their body. For this reason, it’s important to do a “chip check” at least once a year. Simply visit your vet or nearest SPCA and ask them to scan your pet’s chips to make sure it is still locatable and has your correct details.
Generally, you won’t have to make an appointment or pay any fee for this quick check, but to maximise your productivity, you can ask your vet to check your pet’s microchip when you take them for their annual vaccinations.
Discover: Routine Vet Care for Dogs: 11 Regular Checks Your Pup Needs
What about alternatives?
Although microchipping your pet is a great way to ensure your lost pet can find their way back to you, some owners may not be keen on this. If you’re not convinced about microchipping your fur baby, here are some alternatives:
- Use traditional identification tags on your pet’s collar
- Make use of pet registration services
- GPS trackers can be attached to your pet’s collar too
- QR code tags offer another way to identify your pet should they be found when they’ve gone missing
It is even an option to combine these, such as having both an identification tag with your contact info, as well as a GPS tracker on your pup or kitty’s collar.
Your fur baby is a big part of your family, and they deserve to be reunited with you if they get lost. If you microchip your pet or use alternative identification methods, you can show them you love them by making sure they can be identified.
Another way to show your fur baby that you love them if by getting them pet insurance. Get a quote for an affordable plan that suits your needs and budget from Oneplan Pet Insurance.
