Pet Microchipping in Newmarket, ON
Permanent Identification for Peace of Mind
At North Yonge Veterinary Hospital, we believe every pet deserves the best chance of finding their way home if they ever become lost.
One of the most effective tools for protecting your pet is microchipping- a simple, permanent form of identification that can significantly increase the chances of a lost pet being safely reunited with their family.
We are pleased to offer microchipping services at our Newmarket facility as part of our commitment to responsible, preventive veterinary care.
What Is a Pet Microchip?
A microchip is a tiny, biocompatible electronic device (about the size of a grain of rice) implanted just beneath the skin, typically between the shoulder blades. Each chip contains a unique identification number, which can be read by a handheld scanner at veterinary clinics and shelters. This ID number is linked to your contact information in a secure national registry, helping ensure your pet can be identified and returned to you quickly if they are lost.
Why Microchipping Matters
While collars and tags are important, they can break, fall off, or become unreadable over time. A microchip is permanent, cannot be lost or removed, and greatly improves the chances of a safe reunion. Most importantly, it gives your pet a form of identification that lasts for life.
Key Benefits:
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Permanent form of identification
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Quick, safe, and minimally invasive procedure
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No ongoing maintenance
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Improves recovery rates for lost pets
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Affordable and accessible
Common Misconceptions About Pet Microchips
The first misconception many pet owners have is that the implantation procedure is painful. In reality, no anesthesia is needed, and the microchip is inserted under the skin using a sterile needle—similar to a vaccine. The process takes just a few seconds and causes minimal discomfort.
Another common belief is that pets with collars and ID tags don’t need a microchip. While collars are useful, they can be lost or damaged. A microchip provides a permanent backup, ensuring your pet can still be identified even if their collar is missing.
Some people may feel that microchipping is expensive, especially when managing other pet care costs. In reality, microchips are quite affordable, and many pets adopted from shelters may already have one. If you’re unsure whether your pet is microchipped or would like to learn more, our experienced team is here to guide you.
What Pet Owners Should Know
Some pet owners worry that microchipping might be painful for their pets, but the procedure is very quick and causes minimal discomfort, and comparable to a routine vaccination. Most pets experience only a brief pinch, recover immediately, and resume normal activity. Once implanted, the microchip remains inactive and causes no pain or sensation for the rest of the pet’s life.
If your pet becomes lost, veterinary clinics and animal shelters can scan the microchip to retrieve a unique ID number, which links to your contact information in a secure registry. This ensures a higher chance of a safe and quick reunion, especially since microchips cannot fall off, be removed, or become illegible like collar tags.
It’s important to keep your contact information up to date in the microchip registry. If you move or change phone numbers, make sure to update the database to ensure your pet can still be identified.
Lastly, it’s essential to understand that a microchip is not a GPS tracking device. It doesn’t provide real-time location updates. Instead, it functions as a permanent form of identification that works only when your pet is found and scanned by a veterinary professional or shelter.
Book Your Pet’s Microchip Appointment Today
Whether you have a new puppy or kitten, or want to protect an older pet, microchipping is a simple step that can make a life-changing difference. At North Yonge Veterinary Hospital, we provide expert microchipping services as part of our commitment to responsible pet ownership.
Call us today at 905-830-0437 to schedule your pet’s microchipping appointment or to learn more about the process.