The Microchip, The “health Card” For Animals
When pets are lost or stolen, owners (and pets too) suffer greatly. To find them more easily, a microchip has been devised that is grafted into the skin and is used as if it were a “health card” or a “document”. In this article we tell you about this invention that is increasingly used worldwide.
The implanted microchip: what to know
This microchip that plugs into the animal has the ability to track it wherever it goes. It is as small as a grain of rice and is placed between the shoulder blades. Contains a unique identification number that is entered into an international database. Since it has a lifespan of 25 years, it serves for a dog’s entire life, for example.
Once the microchip is inserted into the animal, it can be identified using a special reader in the form of a hand scanner. Many shelters, veterinarians and public bodies are equipped with this device that allows you to read the animal’s “health card” number and contact its owners to get it back home.
Although many owners do not wish to insert foreign bodies into their pets, the microchips are very safe and are manufactured with a biocompatible substance that does not deteriorate or transform. Once injected, the microchip does not “move” from its place and does not create allergic reactions to the animal.
Unlike what happens with an identification plate on a collar, the microchip cannot be removed that easily. However, it is recommended to apply both to the dog, since the collar can be read by any person, while the microchip only by those who have the special reading scanner.
The microchip is indisputable and irrefutable proof of ownership. If the animal is stolen and sold, the possible buyer could also demand the data of this health card, to buy it.
Why microchip your dog or cat?
The application of this microchip in the animal’s body is absolutely not expensive. In some cases, you have to pay an annual fee for the service. If we live in an apartment or our pet does not go out on the street without our supervision, we should still apply this identification system. Accidents can happen in the blink of an eye.
There are many cases of dogs and cats that run away because they are frightened or because they see another animal and then cannot be taken back. It may also happen that you forget the door open and the animal may leave without anyone noticing. Examples like these abound.
Furthermore, a common collar can be easily removed by a person or even by the animal itself (for example by getting stuck in a fence). In some cities where natural disasters are frequent (earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, etc.), many people microchip their pets. In full emergency situations, they get scared and can even walk for tens of kilometers if they are disoriented.
Among the main reasons why it is worth placing a microchip on your dog or cat, we find:
Greater chance of finding it if it gets lost
In a few hours, the animal can be identified and find its family again. This is ideal, for example, when we go on vacation or when faced with an inconvenience that pushes the animal to run away. It is safer than a plate collar.
Less risk of being sold
If the animal is stolen because it is purebred, many buyers take the precaution of examining the microchip to find out the owner’s details and verify that the seller is the rightful owner.
It is a painless procedure
It is applied as an injection or vaccine. Within minutes, the dog or cat already has its microchip installed, which does not create any complications in its daily life. Once installed, the microchip cannot be removed from the skin, making it a 100% effective system.
