When it comes to your pet’s safety and security, you can never be too careful! While collars and tags serve as important identifiers, they can easily become damaged or lost. Microchips for dogs are a permanent form of identification. It is impossible to remove or misplace and ensures your beloved dog is easily identifiable.
All About Microchips for Dogs
Microchips are about the size of a grain of rice and are conveniently inserted just beneath the skin between the shoulder blades. Veterinary clinics and shelters easily scan them, allowing quick identification of your pet through the unique ID number encoded within the chip. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), pets with microchips are up to 20 times more likely to reunite with their owners compared to those without. Most rescues and breeders will install a microchip before your pup comes home with you. They are quick and easy to implant, cost-effective, and require no batteries, power sources, or moving parts. Once installed, microchips last for your dog’s entire life, even if implanted at a young age.
Registering and Updating the Microchip
Upon microchipping or adopting your dog, you will receive your pet’s unique ID number and access to an online portal. The portal allows you to associate your pet’s name and your contact information with their specific microchip. Remember that the unique ID number on the chip is only effective if registered with a national pet recovery database. There are several interconnected databases where you can register your pet. Tools like AKC Reunite and the AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup Tool can assist you in finding the right registry to update your information. Be sure to keep your records current, especially if you move or change your phone number. It’s important to note that microchips do not offer GPS tracking. Microchips for dogs rely on a passive ID system; if you desire real-time tracking, you will need a separate device.
Microchipping: Now Available at Bark U!
Veterinarians universally recommend microchipping, and at BARK U, we wholeheartedly agree! We strongly encourage that all our guests have microchips, and we are proud to offer a low-cost microchipping service for your convenience. Our trained and qualified staff will swiftly insert the microchip and provide you with all the necessary information to register with a directory. The procedure is quick and straightforward, allowing your pup to resume playtime immediately afterward—it’s just like receiving a routine vaccination!
Microchipping your pet and registering that chip ensures that if your dog slips out of their collar and runs away, they can be swiftly identified and brought back home safely.
If you’re interested in having your dog enroll in BARK U, register here and request a temperament assessment. To learn more about our other services, please submit a contact form or call us at 215-486-2200 today!
