Microchipping Your Dog

lost-dog

We went to the vet yesterday for the dogs to get some shots and to check up on Stella and Leroy’s allergies to see how they’re doing. While there, the vet checked to see if Stella had a microchip. She did not, so we decided to go ahead and get one for her. (Zoey and Leroy already had them implanted before they came home with us when we first got them). I was really surprised by the process. I was under the assumption that dogs had to go in for surgery to get the microchip implanted, but it’s as easy as a simple shot. In fact, Stella didn’t even seem to know that anything had happened.

I really want to encourage people to microchip their dogs. My dogs never wear collars because their necks are so small…they are always in a harness when we’re out and about. Consequently, they don’t wear tags either. I’ve often wondered about this…I probably should have them wear collars/tags when we walk, but I’m always scared of them wearing the collars while unsupervised inside because my dogs think they are Houdini! (I really need to re-think this though after reading the accompanying article by the Humane Society of the United States.) Point being, I feel a little better having them microchipped because if someone did find them and brought them to a vet or a shelter, there’s a good chance that they will know that I’m their owner.

The Humane Society of the United States has answered some questions about microchipping and they can be found HERE. While the system isn’t perfect, the Humane Society gives some good advice on how to give your pet the best chance possible for coming home if he or she is lost. All three of my dogs are microchipped through a company called Home Again. Our local Humane Society uses this company and therefore has a scanner that is compatible. Hopefully we will never need to use our microchips, but it’s nice to know that they are there.

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