For most pet owners, there are few things scarier than losing your pet. Dogs and cats often end up lost because of scary situations like fireworks or car accidents, or they simply got distracted and wandered into unfamiliar territory. Although you cannot avoid every situation in which your pet may be lost, there are steps you can take to bring your beloved fluffy friends home. If you have a pet, no doubt you have heard of “microchipping.”  Although it may sound scary, and even a little futuristic, you can lay your fears to rest because it’s actually quite simple.  A microchip is a small electronic chip, much like something inside your computer or phone.  It is enclosed in a glass tube, roughly the size of a grain of rice.  The chip contains an identification number, which can be read by a scanner used by veterinarians and shelters.  That’s it.  That’s all there is to it. Not so scary anymore, is it?

Microchipping is a relatively cheap and painless process.  Although veterinary fees vary, it generally costs $25-50 to have the chip placed.  Your veterinarian will use a needle, much like the ones used to give vaccinations.  The needle will inject the chip between the shoulder blades, just under the skin.  Although it may look painful, it hurts no more than a shot and is over quickly.  You may be able to feel the chip under the skin, but it will not move around or “get lost” inside your pet.  

The best reason to microchip your pet is because it can identify your pet as yours if you are ever separated.  The identification number contained on the chip is linked to you as an owner. But, for the microchip to fulfill its purpose, you must remember to register with a reputable company. There are multiple organizations where you can register the chip, including HomeAgain, PetLink, or AKC Reunite.  Most sites charge a small fee and services range from simply identifying you as the owner of the pet, all the way to providing full veterinary records.  The amount of information you disclose is up to you. It is extremely important that you update these records whenever your contact information changes.  

In the event your pet is lost, shelters and veterinary offices will scan the chip and look up the identification number.  From there they can contact you and return your beloved fluffy friend.  According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, microchipped dogs are more than twice as likely to be returned to their owners and microchipped cats are nearly 20 times more likely to be returned home.  Although it is not mandatory to chip your pets, the low cost, and high chances of being reunited, make it one of the easiest things you can do to keep your pet safe, and home with you.