Microchipping

Microchips reunite lost pets with their owners. As veterinarians and pet owners, we recommend microchipping as a safe, permanent, and effective way to identify your pet should he or she ever stray from home.

A microchip is a tiny computer chip that has a unique identification number programmed onto it. The microchip is encapsulated in a biocompatible material that does not cause a reaction from the body, and it is so tiny that it fits through a hypodermic needle. When scanned by a scanner common in animal hospitals and shelters throughout the U.S., the microchip reports its number to the scanner so your pet can be matched up with your contact information.

The doctor can implant the microchip as part of any appointment with your pet. The process is quick and easy. Your pet may notice slight discomfort during the administration but most pets don't even react to the administration.

After implantation, you will need to register the microchip with the national database of pet microchips. To register the AVID microchip we administer, visit www.avidid.com/pettrac or call 1-800-336-2843. For a moderate fee, the registry will record your name, address, and contact information and keep it on file for the life of your pet. Remember to update the registry with new information whenever your contact information changes.