While it is technically possible to acquire a pet microchip and the necessary implanter, attempting to microchip your pet yourself is not recommended. For the safety and well-being of your animal, and to ensure the microchip functions effectively, professional veterinary care is essential.
Why Professional Microchipping is Crucial
Microchipping is a precise and sensitive procedure that truly benefits from the expertise and sterile environment a veterinarian provides. It is widely understood that these devices are best implanted under professional veterinary supervision due to several critical factors:
- Proper Placement: A microchip must be implanted in a specific, anatomically correct location—typically under the skin between the shoulder blades—to ensure it can be easily scanned and doesn't migrate. Incorrect placement can lead to the chip moving to an unusual spot, making it difficult or impossible to locate and scan, or potentially causing discomfort or injury to your pet. Veterinarians are trained in the exact technique and location.
- Sterile Environment: Implantation involves a large-gauge needle penetrating the skin. A veterinary clinic provides a sterile environment, minimizing the risk of infection at the injection site. Without proper sterilization, your pet could develop a serious localized infection.
- Pain Management and Technique: While quick, the procedure can cause momentary discomfort. Veterinarians are skilled in performing the implantation swiftly and with the least amount of stress or pain for your pet. They understand animal behavior and how to keep pets calm during the process.
- Immediate Scanning and Verification: After implantation, a veterinarian will immediately scan the chip to confirm it is working correctly and is readable. This crucial step ensures the device is functional from day one.
- Registration with a Recovery Database: Perhaps one of the most vital steps, veterinarians typically handle the registration of your pet's microchip with a national pet recovery database. Without proper registration of your contact information, the microchip is useless if your pet gets lost, as there will be no way to link the chip number back to you.
What to Expect During a Professional Microchip Implantation
Having your pet microchipped by a veterinarian is a quick, safe, and relatively painless procedure.
- Quick Procedure: The microchip, which is about the size of a grain of rice, is injected under the loose skin between your pet's shoulder blades using a sterile needle.
- Minimal Discomfort: Many pets react similarly to a routine vaccination, experiencing only a brief pinch. No anesthesia is typically required.
- Instant Verification: The vet will scan the chip immediately to confirm it's readable and correctly positioned.
- Registration: The clinic will guide you through or directly handle the registration process with a reputable pet recovery service. This ensures your contact information is linked to the unique microchip ID.
Microchipping is an incredibly effective tool for pet reunification, drastically increasing the chances of a lost pet returning home. It is a one-time procedure that provides a permanent form of identification.
