Cat and Dog Microchipping in Nashua, NH
Every year, thousands of pets go missing, but sadly, not all of them are reunited with their owners. One of the most common reasons for this is lack of sufficient identification. While tags and collars are great methods of identification, they’re not permanent. A microchip IS permanent. All Pets Veterinary Hospital offers cat and dog microchipping in Nashua, NH to increase the chances of a happy reunion for lost pets. This safe, painless procedure can be completed in minutes and can give you peace of mind when your pet is alone outside or any other time that you’re separated from him.
How Does Cat and Dog Microchipping Work?
A pet microchip is a tiny device that’s about the size and shape of a grain of rice. It’s injected just beneath the surface of a pet’s skin, near the shoulder blades, using a hypodermic needle. The procedure is comparable to a vaccination, and because it’s such a fast and easy procedure, it can be done during your pet’s wellness exam, surgery, or other visits.
Each microchip is encoded with a unique ID number that, when scanned by a specific device, can be linked to a pet owner’s contact information. Contrary to popular belief, a microchip does not have GPS capabilities and can only serve its purpose if it’s scanned. Fortunately, most animal shelters and veterinary hospitals are equipped with microchip scanners.
Does Microchipping Really Help Pets Return Home?
The short and simple answer is yes! There are many studies that indicate that microchipped pets are returned to their owners more than twice as often as those without microchips. The following is a list of pet microchipping statistics by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), based on a 2009 study of more than 7,700 stray animals:
- Microchipped dogs were returned 52.2% of the time
- Dogs without microchips were returned 21.9% of the time
- Cats with microchips were returned 38.5% of the time
- Cats without microchips were returned 1.8% of the time
Whether you’d like to take extra precaution, or your pet likes to take that occasional stroll on his own, a microchip is a must! If you would like more information on microchipping, or if you’re ready to make an appointment, feel free to call us at 603-882-0494.