No pet-owner wants to think about the possibility of losing their furry friend, but the truth of the matter is, sometimes dogs and cats go missing.

While the majority of Canadians do not microchip their pets, the statistics show that dogs and cats are over 10 times more likely to be returned to their families if they are microchipped.

If you are considering microchipping your cat or dog, good for you! Here are some facts to help convince you as to why itโ€™s a good idea:

It doesnโ€™t hurt

A common misconception about microchipping is that it is a painful procedure for your pet to have to endure. Rest assured that microchipping is not major surgery. The microchip is very small (about the size of a grain of rice) and it is inserted between your petโ€™s shoulder blades (the scruff) with a needle. The scruff is not a very sensitive area on your dog or cat, plus some veterinarians apply a local anesthetic so they will barely feel a thing.

As with any procedure that involves inserting a foreign object into a body, youโ€™ll want to keep an eye on the area of insertion for unusual growths or lumps, but these are unlikely complications.

Itโ€™s not expensive

Contrary to popular belief, microchipping your cat or dog is not expensive. It usually costs about $75.50 to have your pet Microchipped. When you consider the peace of mind it will bring you, it is actually a very sound investment.

Collars and tags come off

You should absolutely put a collar and tag on your pet, as this is the most obvious way to identify them.

However, pets can go on some pretty wild adventures when youโ€™re not looking, and collars and tags can easily come off. In fact, easy-release collars are often encouraged for certain pets (especially outdoor cats) to avoid the risk of entrapment or choking.

Having a microchip inserted into your dog or cat is a surefire backup when keeping your dog or catโ€™s identity intact.

โ€œMissingโ€ pets are sometimes actually โ€œstolenโ€

If youโ€™re an animal lover – and no doubt you are if youโ€™re reading this – it will be hard for you to imagine how anyone could actually steal a beloved pet from someone else. Sadly, these people exist. A thief can easily remove your dog or catโ€™s collar and tags, and if you find yourself needing to prove that the pet is indeed yours, the microchip will come through for you.

Shelters are crowded

We applaud animal shelter workers for their hard work and diligence trying to keep lost and stray animals off the streets. However, despite best efforts, a vast number of animal shelters are horribly overcrowded. In many cases, they can only take care of an unclaimed cat or dog for so long.

When a lost pet is taken to a shelter, one of the first things that a shelter worker will do is scan the cat or dog for a microchip. If your pet ends up at a shelter, their days may be numbered unless they are microchipped.

Now that you know the facts, are you thinking of getting your pet microchipped? Wise decision! Contact our clinic today for an appointment!