“Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey,” was a cute Disney movie about three lost pets traveling across country and arriving home.
Sadly, that’s not reality.
Losing your pet can be a traumatic and sometimes tragic event. Even if your pet wears a collar and ID tag, those can fall off.
Protect your pet with a collar, ID tag, and properly-registered microchip.
What is a microchip?
Microchips are implantable computer chips no bigger than a grain of rice. Each chip encodes a unique identification number to help reunite you with your lost pet.
The microchip is placed under your pet’s skin with a needle and syringe. The procedure is quick and painless. The chip receives a radio signal from a scanner and transmits the encoded chip identification number back to the scanner.
5 reasons to microchip your pet
1. Microchipping can help you reunite with your lost pet.
Lost cats with microchips are 20 times more likely to be returned home than cats without, and dogs with microchips are 2.5 times more likely to be returned home than those without.
If your pet gets lost, they will likely be taken to a local animal shelter or veterinarian. If your pet is microchipped, the shelter or veterinarian will be able to scan the chip and find your contact information. This will help them return your pet to you safely.
2. Microchipping can help you avoid fees associated with lost pets.
If your pet is found without identification, you may be charged impound fees or boarding fees. Visit Seattle.gov to view impound fees and fines.
If your pet is licensed and microchipped, you will generally not be charged these fees.
3. Microchipping can help you avoid fines.
In some cities, it is illegal to own a pet that is not microchipped. If your pet is not microchipped and is found by animal control, you may be fined.
Note: Seattle Municipal Code Section 9.25.050 requires that all cats, dogs, miniature goats and potbellied pigs be licensed. As part of the licensing process, you can add or verify your pet’s microchip number. Failure to license or renew your pet’s license could result in a $125 citation.
4. Microchipping can help you protect your pet from identity theft.
There have been cases of thieves stealing pets and then using their microchips to register them in their own name. If your pet is microchipped, you will be able to prove that they are yours if they are ever stolen.
5. Microchipping can help you find your pet if they are injured or killed.
If your pet is injured or killed, they may be brought to a local animal hospital or veterinary clinic. If your pet is microchipped, the hospital or clinic will be able to scan the chip and find your contact information. This will help them notify you and allow you to make arrangements for their care.
Register the microchip
After your pet’s microchip is implanted, it’s important to do three things:
- Register your pet’s microchip.
- Maintain updated contact information.
- Provide multiple emergency contacts in case your pet gets lost while you’re out of town.
Give your pet the best chance of being reunited with you. Call us today to schedule an appointment to have your pet microchipped.