Microchipping Your Pet

Microchipping is the procedure of implanting, by injection, a microchip capsule under the skin of the shoulders of your pet. They capsule contains a small microchip, a tool that will permanently and uniquely identify that pet. When that information is stored in a database associated with a 1-800 number, your lost pet is identifiable and reunitable with you by people all over the world 24 hours a day.

Home Again and AVID are two common brands of microchip used worldwide. There are multiple brands that read at different frequencies. Luckily, universal scanners or "readers" are available to check for all brands.

There are multiple databases for storage and reunification purposes. Many companies, like Home Again, provide both the chip and the information storage system. All should be available by phone or online 24/7.

By microchipping your pet, you are making sure that pet is uniquely identifiable as your pet. This gives your pet the best chance of being reunited with you if lost! Dog control officers (ACOs), shelters, and veterinarians all routinely scan to check for microchips in lost or stray animals.

Delmar Animal Hospital uses Home Again microchips, and we encourage enrollment in the Home Again system. We also have a scanner for use if an animal is found. Please visit www.homeagain.com for the enrollment level that suits your needs. Call us to set up an appointment to have your pet microchipped, or it can be done in any routine appointment. It will be worth your peace of mind, for well under $100.