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Pet Microchipping

At North Yonge Veterinary Hospital, we provide a number of services from a veterinarian in Newmarket.

Pet Microchipping in Newmarket, ON

Look at some of the most common benefits of micro-chipping below, along with a few misconceptions!
a person brushing a cat

Microchipping Benefits

Every pet owner must make sure that their pets are taken care of. This involves taking the pet to the vet at least once per year. This is important for ensuring that pets are happy and healthy, including vaccinations. One other topic that pet owners need to focus on involves microchipping. When it comes to microchipping a pet, there are a few important points people need to remember.

First, pet owners need to know what a pet microchip is. A microchip is something that goes under the surface of the skin. It contains essential information that healthcare professionals can use to help a pet if they find it lost. We understand that many pet owners might be hearing about a pet microchip for the first time. There are a few common misconceptions that people have about a pet microchip. We are here to rectify them.

Common Misconceptions About a Pet Microchip

The first misconception pet owners commonly have is that implanting a microchip will hurt. This is not the case. No anesthesia is required, and the implantation process is similar to a vaccine or other shot. This process only takes a couple of seconds.

Second, there are a lot of pet owners who feel that because their pets wear collars that contain tags, there isn’t any need for a microchip. This is not the case. Collar tags should be worn and contain the pet owner’s name and contact information; however, a collar can fall off or become scuffed and hard to read. A microchip will not have this problem.

Finally, there are also a lot of pet owners who are under the impression that microchips are too expensive. This is not the case. Microchips are very affordable. A lot of pets that are purchased from shelters might already have a microchip. If you would like to learn more about pet microchips, we are here to help. Make sure that you have access to the facts on pet microchips by reaching out to us today.

Call North Yonge Veterinary Hospital Today to Make an Appointment

At North Yonge Veterinary Hospital, we are a veterinarian in Newmarket, and we are here to provide medical care for your pet. Call us today to make an appointment with a trained vet in the local area!

What is a pet microchip, and how does it work? 

A microchip is a very small, electronic device(microchip) about the size of a grain of rice, which is implanted (with a needle) just under your pet’s skin, typically between the shoulder blades. It contains a unique identification number that can be scanned by a specialized reader. This number is linked to your contact information in a secure database, allowing for quick identification if your pet gets lost.
Is the microchipping procedure painful for my pet? The process of microchipping is very quick and generally causes minimal discomfort. It’s similar to getting a routine vaccination, with most pets experiencing little to no pain afterward. While some pets may feel a brief pinch, they typically recover almost immediately and resume normal activity.  The microchip does not cause any pain or sensation for the life of the pet.
 
How does microchipping help if my pet goes missing? If your pet gets lost and is found, shelters or veterinary offices will scan the microchip for your pet’s unique ID number. This allows them to access your up-to-date contact information, helping to ensure that your pet is reunited with you quickly and safely. Unlike collars, microchips are permanent and can’t be lost, fall off or be removed.
 
Do I need to update my pet’s microchip information? Yes, it’s essential to keep your contact information current with the microchip registry. If you change addresses, phone numbers, or any other details, make sure they’re updated in the database. This ensures that if your pet is found, you can be contacted without delay.
 
Is a microchip the same as a GPS tracker? No, a microchip is not a GPS tracker. While a GPS tracker provides real-time location updates, a microchip is simply an identification tool. It does not allow you to track your pet’s whereabouts but rather helps ensure their safe return if they’re lost and scanned by a professional.