Microchipping your pet is a great investment. Even pets who are stay-at-home companions get lost or stolen from time to time. In the event of an emergency evacuation, a pet running away from home, or one getting lose while you travel, you want to make every effort possible to be reunited with your beloved friend who can’t speak for themselves.
Having a small identification tag inserted under your pet’s skin is a permanent solution for providing data in case of a separation. The procedure is relatively painless, has few risks and is affordable for most pet owners ranging in cost from $25 to $60 depending on where you are located. Microchipping your pet is not legally required in the United States at this time, but it is your best bet for getting your animal back if they become lost or stolen. Most vet offices and animal control facilities scan any stray animals that enter their doors.
Pet microchips are not tracking devices. They are tiny identification tags that carry an identification number. Your contact information is not stored on the chip. Instead, it is stored in a registry and must be kept up-to-date in order to be most effective. When you change addresses or phone numbers, or your pet changes ownership, the information should be updated in a microchip registry. Microchipping your pet is only effective if the data attached to the identification number remains reliable.
A great resource for more information about microchipping your pet can be found at Pet Chip, Registry, US.