Cat and Dog Microchipping in Callaway, MD

According to the ASPCA, millions of cats and dogs get lost every year. While many eventually find their way home, there are also many that do not return to their families. It’s all too easy for a pet to go missing—faulty leashes, loose collars, slightly-open doors and flimsy gates can quickly result in a lost pet. Additionally, some pets may bolt due to their fear of loud noises and end up miles away from home.

Cat and dog microchipping in Callaway, MD makes it easier for shelters, rescues and other animal hospitals to identify pets and locate their owners. Even if your pet somehow ends up in another state, a staff member can scan your pet for a chip and enter their chip number into a database to find you.

Make sure your best friend has a chance to be returned to you if they get lost. Call us at (301) 994-9919 for your microchipping consultation.

What Is A Microchip and How Does It Work?

A microchip is not a GPS. It cannot track your pet’s movements and alert a control station to their whereabouts. However, what it can do is act as a permanent form of identification that traces your pet directly to you.

The microchip itself is no larger than a grain of rice and must be placed under the skin between your pet’s shoulder blades. It will remain there forever, and should stay functional just as long (microchips generally last about 25 years). To scan the chip, a handheld “wand” device is waved over the area of placement. This scanner sends out radio waves which are picked up by the chip. In turn, the chip receives just enough energy to transmit its number to the scanner.

Cat and Dog Microchipping in Callaway, MD

Microchipping Your Pet

The microchipping procedure is fast, easy and virtually painless. You will receive your pet’s chip number and further information to help you register the chip. A microchip is useless unless it has been registered into the national database with your contact information. All Kinds Veterinary Hospital uses the HomeAgain microchip brand, so you can visit their website to learn more and register your pet.

Please note that a microchip should not be your pet’s sole source of identification. Updated ID tags on their collar are extremely important, especially if a private citizen has just found your pet. The sooner they can contact you, the sooner you’ll be reunited with your four-legged friend.

Call us at (301) 994-9919 with any dog or cat microchipping questions you might have.