One of the big decisions you will have as a new pet owner is whether to microchip your furry friend or not. Micro chipping for pets is simply the process of implanting a radio transmitter under the animal’s skin that utilizes radio frequency identification or RFID technology to identify the pet when scanned. Microchipping may sound scary to many, but the reality is that it’s a completely safe and quick process.
However, you may still ask what are the benefits of microchipping for pets? Well, in this reading, we are going to discuss a few benefits of microchipping in detail.
1. Microchipping is Inexpensive
One of the best things about microchipping is that it is relatively cheap. The average cost of implanting and registering a microchip does not exceed $50, which is usually lower than the adoption fee of a dog or a cat. Since microchips tend to last for over 2 decades, which is way beyond the average life expectancy of most pets, this cost is without a doubt a good investment in your pet’s long-term safety and health. Regardless of how far your furry friend wanders, you will have a far greater chance of getting them back in your arms by having your animal microchipped.
Also, microchipping for pets is a lot cheaper compared to other forms for looking for your lost companion, like taking out ads online and in the paper or printing and distributing flyers.
2. Microchipping is Painless
Other than being relatively cheap, microchipping is ideally painless and safe. Even though some pet owners worry about causing stress to the animals, implanting a microchip is no different than getting a conventional vaccination. As a matter of fact, the procedures look similar. The microchip comes preloaded into a sterile needle or applicator and it’s then injected beneath the skin. It is so simple and painless that it doesn’t require the use of anaesthesia.
3. Microchipping Is More Permanent Than Tags
Even if your furry friend wears a collar with a tag ( which they should), it can still break and fall off or even wear down and become unreadable. If the unforeseen happens and your pet wanders away, you should have a more permanent means of identification like a microchip which cannot be damaged, stolen or lost. This is why microchipping for pets is so advantageous. Since the microchip is located under the skin, it cannot be removed and it is protected from the elements.
What Are The Downsides of Microchipping Pets?
It is very rare for a pet to suffer complications as a result of the implantation of a microchip. However, as with every medical procedure, there is a small risk involved. It is important to note that only a qualified veterinarian should conduct the microchipping in order to minimize the risks involved.
There are studies that have suggested an increased risk of cancer in microchipped pets, but this has been seen to be almost negligible with the numerous numbers of microchips implanted in animals out there. Millions of pets have these devices and most of them don’t show ill effects. The chances of your furry friend developing cancer due to a microchip implant are extremely small.
