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Pet Microchipping Guide
Have you ever seen a furry four feet that doesn't try to wander on their own? If yes, you are one of the lucky few! Most often than not, our furry friends are quite the adventurous bunch who like to run away for exploring. This does not always end in despair; however, it does raise a worry among many of us when we don't see them for an extended period and defines the importance of pet microchipping.
This pet microchipping guide tries to answer the basic questions that most pet parents face and the importance of microchip identification technology.
What is Pet Microchipping?
A pet microchip is a permanent pet identification system which is implanted on your pets to keep a track of their movements. Global standards ISO 11784 and 11785 have been developed for microchip identification which covers manufacturing and safety protocols.
The international veterinary community continuously works towards standardising microchip implantation for various types of pets like birds, fish, mammals, and reptiles. Canines in Europe are chipped under their skin between the shoulder blades or scapula or under the right side of the neck. This enables rescuers or authorities to identify the pet quickly.
The chip manufacturers have to imprint a special identification code on each chip. The codes are standardized for each country, where a 3-digit national code is imprinted at the start of each chip code. The authorities maintain a national chip database that can be accessed to identify the lost pet. The issuing authority assigns a series of codes to each manufacturer, and they have to imprint them on the chips.
In countries where a national database does not exist, manufacturers are assigned 3-digit codes starting with 9, and they have to imprint these at the start of the chip code. This way, each chip is unique, and when a chip reading device scans the chip, all relevant information can be seen.
What Really Happens When You Chip Your Pet?
A pet microchip essentially is a lifelong implant that is like an RFID tag rather than a GPS for pets. It is readable for the entirety of the pet's life and records information such as a home address, contact details, medical conditions, and other basic information.
A lost pet can establish a connection with the finder when they use the pet's name. This is especially true with lost Canines, and they are 2.5 times more likely to find their way back home when they are chipped. This further establishes pet microchipping importance and a humble call out to all the pet parents to chip your pets today.
Is it Safe for Your Pets?
Pet microchipping is safe as it uses specially defined high-quality materials that don't cause any harm. Although a variety of chips are in the market, they all follow a standard that ensures safety and reliability. The microchip identification standards are devised to ensure that there is absolutely no error in pet identification and have to be followed by all chip manufacturers. Felines with chips have a global record of being returned home twenty times more often than those without. With that in mind, you should chip your pet right away!
If you wish to seek more information on pet microchipping and pet care, contact the experienced team of vets at Petpal today.