Today, July 1st, is a pretty important holiday for us. It’s ID Your Pet Day! Making sure that your furry buddy is microchipped and wearing proper ID tags is actually one of the most important things you can do to protect them. Unfortunately, it’s also often overlooked. A London, ON vet discusses pet ID below.
Microchips
Microchips are very small, about the size of a grain of rice. They don’t transmit any information, and they unfortunately won’t reprogram your cat to stop scratching your sofa. Instead, each chip contains a unique ID number. These can be read with special scanners, which are used by veterinarians and animal shelter staff. That number is tied to your account in the chipmaker’s database, forming a permanent, but invisible, link between you and your furry best friend. The process of getting your pet chipped only takes a few moments. Though this is often done along with spay/neuter surgery, it can also be scheduled alone. Getting your pet chipped is only the first part of the process, however. You’ll need to fill out your information in the chipmaker’s database, and then make sure it’s kept up to date. Ask your vet for more information
ID
Microchips may be the gold standard of pet identification, but they don’t erase the need for regular ID tags. In fact, tags are really the easiest way for someone to contact you if they find your four-legged pal. They’re also required by law in many places! As you may know, some people don’t care to keep collars on their pets because of the risk of their furry friends getting entangled. If you’re concerned about that, go with a breakaway collar, which will release under duress. Have some fun with your pet’s tags, and customize them.
Preparation
While we hope that our furry patients stay safe and sound at home, we always advise erring on the side of caution. We advise keeping cats indoors, and keeping dogs leashed at all times when you take them off your property. In Fido’s case, training is also very important. If you have a yard for your canine pal to run around in, make sure that your fencing is sturdy. Self-latching gates are also recommended.
Do you need to schedule microchipping? Please contact us, your London, ON vet clinic, for all of your pet’s veterinary care needs. We’re here for you.
