One statistic that shows the importance of having your pets microchipped is that
ONE OUT OF THREE PETS
will go missing. However, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), microchipped dogs are returned to their owner around 52% of the time, while dogs without a microchip are returned 22% of the time. That staggering statistic widens even further when looking at cats. Only about 2% of lost cats are reconnected with their owners if they aren’t microchipped. That number jumps up to nearly 39% for microchipped cats.
As you can see, microchipping your pet will increase the likelihood of their being returned home by a huge margin. In fact, HomeAgain Microchips has already reconnected over 2 million lost pets with their owners! Not only does it help you reconnect with your pet but it also helps prevent pet homelessness! For each that is returned home, that’s one less homeless pet!
At the end of the day, pet owners want the peace of mind, knowing that if for some reason they get separated from their pet, they’ve done everything they can do to increase the odds of reconnecting with them. That is the biggest reason we recommend pet owners have their furbabies microchipped.
4 TIPS TO PREVENT LOST PETS
We know you love taking your pet on adventures. The only single drawback of having your pet join you is the possibility of them running away or getting loose. Sometimes being outside can bring a whole new set of emotions to your pet. The excitement of new smells and their curiosity can sometimes get the best of them. But not to worry, we gathered a few tips to ease any worry that you may have to help keep your pets safe.
PET IDENTIFICATION
Your pet should always have a tag attached to their collar that includes the pet’s name, your phone number, and proof of vaccinations. Not only does that information make it easier for someone to contact you, but it also allows them to call the pet by its name, which could help keep it calm, and be assured that your pet is safe to handle, as it’s been vaccinated. An even better idea is to have your pet microchipped. This is a very simple procedure to ensure that your pet can be identified and you can easily be contacted. While both options are great, to maximize your ability to reconnect with your pet if lost, just do both!
CORRECTLY SIZED COLLARS AND LEASHES
Your pet’s collar and leash size will play a huge part in keeping your pets within your reigns, but it also directly ties into your pet’s identification. That said, it’s obvious that a collar left too loose will allow your pet to slip out. But how tight is too tight? The general rule to follow is that you should be able to fit two fingers between the collar and your pet’s neck. This leaves adequate room for comfort, but enough tension to keep the collar on. Lastly, some pet owners don’t consider the width of the collar, but it is important that bigger pets have wider, stronger collar and leash.
PROPER TRAINING
This one can be tough. It requires that you as the owner stay calm and direct your pet, and your pet to comply. With that in mind, if you plan to take your pet out and about with you, they should know a few commands and be able to react to them without regard to what may be going on around them. For example, if your pet has an instinct to follow a smell, a simple “come” command should override this impulse they have. This is much easier said than done, which is why proper training is crucial.
BE PREPARED
If the unthinkable, and horrid situation does arise, and your pet happens to get loose, you’ll need a plan. Many neighborhoods have message boards or Facebook groups. This is a great place to start. After all, the more eyes and awareness, the better chance you’ll have of finding your pet. Make sure you have pictures of your pet, that way people know exactly what to look for.
COMMON MICROCHIPPING QUESTIONS
- No anesthetic is required for a microchip implant. The procedure is performed by a technician at the clinic in about 20 minutes and is very simple.
- Many people are concerned that microchipping their pet is stressful or will be painful. The fact is that a microchip, smaller than a grain of rice, can be placed just under your pet’s skin in a matter of seconds – just like receiving a vaccine – and once placed, it is painless!
- Pet microchips are not tracking devices. They are radio-frequency identification (RFID) implants that provide permanent ID for your pet.
- Both cats and dogs need to be microchipped.
- A microchip is only the first step! You must register your pet’s microchip to give your pet the best protection. The good news, is that we do this for you at the clinic!
Microchipping your pet will increase the likelihood of their being returned home by a huge margin. Not only does it help you reconnect with your pet but it also helps prevent pet homelessness! For each that is returned home, that’s one less homeless pet!
But, that’s not the only reason to consider a microchip. As technology continues to evolve, there are a few other features of microchipping. Smart features will empower you to use a host of microchip enabled products.
First on that list is the microchip pet doors. Outfitting your microchipped pet with a personalized dog or cat flap allows them to have their own special door key. This gives the pet from freedom to enter and exit while stopping unwanted animals from entering your home. You can also set a curfew to lock or unlock the microchip pet flap at specific times.
The second smart feature allows you to have control over your pet’s food. The microchip pet feeder opens only for the right pet; keeping cats, dogs, and even children out of the wrong food! This is great for monitoring pets on certain diets, ensuring that the right pet eats the right food, and it keeps the food fresher. To learn more about the HomeAgain Microchip smart features, check out the HomeAgain website.
At the end of the day, pet owners want the peace of mind, knowing that if for some reason they get separated from their pet, they’ve done everything they can do to increase the odds of reconnecting with them. That is the biggest reason we recommend pet owners have their furbabies microchipped.
