Microchipping is a crucial aspect of pet ownership that often gets misunderstood. There are numerous myths and misconceptions surrounding the practice, which can lead to confusion and hesitation among pet owners. This article aims to dispel those myths, provide accurate information, and highlight the importance of microchipping and registering your pets.
Table of Contents
Myth vs. Fact: Common Misconceptions About Microchipping
Myth 1: Microchips are GPS trackers.
Fact: Microchips do not function as GPS trackers. They are radio-frequency identification (RFID) implants that store a unique identification number. When a scanner is passed over the microchip, the ID number is retrieved and used by vets and shelter staff to access the pet owner’s contact information in a database. This information helps reunite lost pets with their owners. For more details on how microchips work, visit How It Works.
Myth 2: Microchipping is painful for pets.
Fact: The procedure is quick and causes minimal discomfort, similar to a routine vaccination. The microchip, about the size of a grain of rice, is inserted under the pet’s skin using a syringe. Most pets do not react to the procedure, and it is considered safe by veterinarians.
Myth 3: Microchips can cause health problems.
Fact: Microchips are made of biocompatible materials that do not cause adverse reactions. Millions of pets have been microchipped without any health issues. It’s essential to have the procedure done by a qualified professional to ensure it is implanted correctly.
Myth 4: Only dogs need to be microchipped.
Fact: Many types of pets can be microchipped, for example, cats, rabbits, ferrets and horses.. Cats are more likely to get lost than dogs and often do not wear collars. A microchip provides a permanent form of identification that can help reunite them with their owners, if found. It is important to ensure the most up-to-date information is registered on your BC Pet Registry account so it makes the reunion process quick and efficient.
How Pet Microchips Work
Microchips are tiny devices implanted under a pet’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades. Each chip contains a unique ID number that is linked to the pet owner’s contact information in a database. When a lost pet is found, a shelter or veterinary clinic uses a scanner to read the chip’s ID number and contact the owner.
The scanner only displays the unique ID number and does not show the owner’s contact information. Therefore, registering the microchip number with an online database like the BC Pet Registry is very important. If unregistered, the microchip number is of little value when it comes to reuniting a lost pet with its owner.
The BC Pet Registry offers a comprehensive and secure service for registering your pet’s microchip. Learn more about our process and How It Works.
The Importance of Registration
Step 1: Implant the microchip in your pet.
Step 2: Register the microchip with a reliable database, such as the BC Pet Registry. This step is crucial because an unregistered microchip is essentially useless. You can register your pet’s microchip here.
Step 3: Keep your contact information up to date in the registry. If you move or change your phone number, update your information promptly to ensure you can be reached if your pet is found.
If your vet helped you register your pet, log in to your account at least once to ensure all information is entered accurately and is up-to-date. It is a shared responsibility between the service provider and you to ensure the information linked to the chip is correct. You may also want to add other information, such as photos, descriptions of your pet’s unique features, medical details, and behavioral information. For more about our mission and services, visit About Us.
You are also able to download a copy of the registration certificate to keep track of your pet’s registration status.
Benefits of Microchipping
Permanent Identification: Unlike collars and tags, which can fall off or be removed, microchips provide a permanent ID that cannot be altered.
Reuniting Lost Pets: Microchipping significantly increases the chances of reuniting lost pets with their owners. Success stories from the BC Pet Registry highlight the importance of microchipping:
- Cleo’s Incredible Journey: Cleo was lost for months but was eventually reunited with her owner thanks to her registered ear tattoo. This story highlights the importance of registration and keeping identification up to date on BC Pet Registry. Read more about Cleo’s story.
- Norman’s Homecoming: Norman was found amidst a storm in Kelowna and quickly reunited with his owner because of his registered microchip. Discover Norman’s story here.
Travel Compliance: Microchips ensure pets meet travel regulations, particularly with the latest CDC guidelines for entering the United States. Ask your vet about our ISO-compliant BC Pet Registry microchips. For more on this, see our previous blog about New CDC Travel Regulations for Bringing Dogs into the U.S..
Additional Benefits: Microchips provide a reliable form of identification that cannot be easily lost or removed. This permanency can be a crucial factor in quickly reuniting lost pets with their owners. For more detailed information on microchipping and other forms of pet ID, visit our Pet Microchip ID page.
Conclusion
Microchipping is a safe, effective, and essential practice for all pet owners. Dispelling myths and understanding the facts can help you make an informed decision about microchipping your pet. Registering your pet’s microchip with a reliable database like the BC Pet Registry ensures that your pet can be quickly and safely returned to you if they ever get lost.
Start your journey towards responsible pet ownership by learning more about microchipping and registering your pet today. For more information, visit BC Pet Registry.
Be a Part of the 80% Responsible Owners
During our recent events, we scanned hundreds of pets, all with microchips implanted. Only to discover that approximately 20% of the pets’ microchips are not linked to any registries in North America. We recommend all pet owners to double check their pet’s registration and directly registering with us. All you need is the microchip number and/or tattoo code to start the online registration process. For a small, one-time fee of $45, your pet will be protected for a lifetime and you will also have contributed to the life-saving work of the BC SPCA.
FAQs
Q: What are the benefits of microchipping my pet?
Microchipping provides a permanent form of identification that significantly increases the chances of reuniting lost pets with their owners. It is a reliable and secure way to ensure your pet can be identified and returned to you.
Q: How does the BC Pet Registry ensure the safety of my pet’s information?
The BC Pet Registry uses a secure, centralized database that is accessible by authorized veterinarians and shelters, ensuring your pet’s information is safe and traceable.
Q: Is microchipping painful for my pet?
Microchipping is a quick and virtually painless procedure, comparable to a routine vaccination.
Q: What should I do if my pet is lost?
Immediately update your pet’s microchip information with the BC Pet Registry and contact local shelters and veterinary clinics. Please click here for other resources from the BC SPCA about lost & found animals..
Q: How can I participate in future microchipping clinics?
Keep an eye on the BC Pet Registry website and social media channels for announcements about upcoming clinics.
Q: Why choose the BC Pet Registry?
The BC Pet Registry offers a comprehensive, secure, and internationally traceable microchip registration service, dedicated to reuniting lost pets with their owners quickly and efficiently. The BC Pet Registry is the only non-profit registry in Canada that is determined to achieve social change.Over 6,000 microchips were donated to local rescue organizations and over 10,000 microchips were used to subsidize the BC SPCA spay/neuter program. By supporting the BC Pet Registry, you are also supporting animal welfare in your own community.
