Microchipping


In a perfect world you never lose grip of the leash, your dog can't dig under the fence, and pets never run out the door as soon as it is opened.  Unfortunately it happens, even if your pet "never goes outside."  According to the American Humane Association, less than 20% percent of lost pets ever find their way home.  Over 9 million are euthanized in shelters every year because their owners cannot be located.

There are ways to keep your pet safe.  Identification is the best way to increase the chance that your pet will come back to you if they go missing.  ID tags are great, but sometimes they fall off.  Tattooing is permanent, but should be done by the breeder when they are first born.  The procedure can be done when the pet is older with sedation and moderate expense.  Here at OSSVH we recommend the Home Again Microchip.

Microchipping is an inexpensive, and permanent way to identify your pet.  The procedure is simple and can be done at any doctor visit.  The chip costs about $45.00 and is implanted through a needle in to the loose skin between your pets shoulder blades, like a vaccination.  We then register your pet on line, there is a one time fee of $15.00, and your pets information goes into a national database, that can be accessed by any veterinarian, shelter, or rescue that may see lost pets.  The chip itself is made of an inert material, that causes no reaction.  The best part is that it is permanent.  You only have to do it once, the chip will not degenerate over time.  You can update the contact information on line anytime you move, or change your phone number.  You can have multiple contacts, so your pet can be returned to the pet sitter if you are out of town.

Do your pet and your family a favor and get your pet microchipped for their safety and your peace of mind.