Losing a pet can be traumatic for both family members and your beloved pet. Most owners end up confused and frustrated as to where they should start their search and hoping that their pet is safe and unharmed. No matter how careful one is, it is impossible to keep an eye on your pet every minute of every day. Accidents happen and pets can get out of yards; even with the most careful owners! And don’t some little wanderers just love whizzing at full speed around the neighbourhood?
Responsible pet owners should ensure that their pets are kitted out with collars as well as tags with their correct contact details. You have no option here; this is compulsory in our opinion! Most pet shops as well as vets have a wide variety of collars from “bling” for the posh Yorkies to your standard traditional leather collars for Bruno the Boerboel. There are even dainty little collars for your curious cats.
But what happens when the collar gets lost or pulled off by rowdy puppies playing? What if your details on the tag are not easily read?
The answer is simple. Microchips!
These are tiny electronic devices injected below the skin of your pet. The chip is implanted subcutaneously (just under the skin) between the shoulder blades at the back of your pet’s neck. The microchip is transfused into a capsule of biocompatible polymer acrylic (PMMA), which is about the size of a rice grain. The process is simple and causes little to no discomfort to pet. Once the mi¬¬crochip is implated, your pet will not even be aware of it. These microchips will remain in place for your pet’s entire life, ensuring peace of mind for pets and owners alike.
Each microchip carries a unique code which is used to identify your pet. Using a special scanner, the unique code is read and used to trace your details from the Microchip website. Most veterinary practices, shelters, welfare organizations and SPCA’s have these scanners available to allow them to quickly get in contact with the lost pet’s owners.
The undeniable fact remains that microchips have reunited hundreds of lost pets with their owners. Pet owners need to ensure that their details are correct and updated should they move or change telephone numbers. If a pet is transferred to a new owner, these details will also need to be updated to ensure the correct owners are contacted without fault.
Unfortunately many pet owners feel that it is unnecessary to have their pets microchipped. The tragedy with this mentality is the amount of stray pets that end up in shelters due to the owners not being traced. Most of these pets are not your typical “stray” dog. These are usually well looked after, healthy, clean and loved pets. Unfortunately if they are not claimed they are sent to shelters or SPCA; an unfair end to an already scared and confused beloved pet.
Consider having your pet microchipped with your next visit to the vet. Remember to treat them with something special for being so brave! They will thank you should they ever get out and go exploring without your knowledge! You will be forever grateful that you have made the right choice when you have your little rascal safely back in your arms.
