Our Hartsdale Vet Explains Why Microchipping Matters
June is National Microchipping Month, and there’s no better time to talk about one of the simplest and most effective ways to keep your pet safe—microchipping. While collars and ID tags are important, microchips offer a permanent, reliable form of identification that can help bring lost pets home where they belong. Whether your furry friend is an adventurous escape artist or just likes to sunbathe near the front door, accidents happen—and when they do, a microchip could be the reason your pet finds their way back to you.
What Is a Microchip?
A microchip is a tiny device, about the size of a grain of rice, that is safely and quickly inserted under your pet’s skin—usually between the shoulder blades. It’s not a GPS tracker, but it contains a unique ID number that’s linked to your contact information in a secure database. If your pet is found and taken to a vet clinic or animal shelter, a quick scan of the chip will bring up that ID number, making it easy to contact you.
Studies show that microchipped dogs are more than twice as likely to be returned home, and microchipped cats are more than 20 times more likely to be reunited with their families compared to those without chips.
Don’t Forget to Keep It Updated
One of the most important parts of microchipping is keeping your contact information up to date in the database. If you move, change your phone number, or adopt a new pet with a chip already in place, be sure to update their registration so rescuers can reach you quickly in an emergency. Not sure if your pet’s chip info is current? Our Hartsdale vet is happy to help you check!
Celebrate National Microchipping Month with Us
If your pet isn’t microchipped yet, June is the perfect time to schedule an appointment with our Hartsdale vet. It’s a small step that can make a huge difference if the unexpected ever happens. And if your pet is microchipped, take a few minutes this month to verify your contact details in the registry—it only takes a minute but can make all the difference. Call Hartsdale Veterinary Hospital today at (914) 723-4006 to schedule a microchip appointment or ask any questions you may have about the process—we’re here to help keep your best friend safe.