When a pet is separated from its family, it is heartbreaking for everyone involved. Fortunately, microchipping technology can help reunite pets and their owners. At Sagamore Hills Animal Hospital, we have provided Sagamore Hills Residents with pet microchipping services for many years. Many pet owners do not microchip their pets because they do not understand the technology or are unaware of the benefits. We have put together this handy guide to answer your most frequently asked questions about microchips.

Microchipping for Cats and Dogs

What Is a Pet Microchip?

These microchips are tiny electronic chips, roughly the size of a grain of rice, encased in a glass tube. When a lost animal is brought into a shelter or clinic, one of the first things the veterinarian does is check for a microchip using a scanner. The scanner reads an identification number tied to the chip. This unique ID is linked to the owner’s name and contact info, enabling the shelter to call the owner and let them know that their pet has been found.

Does It Require Surgery?

No. A microchip can be implanted without surgery or anesthesia. It is placed under the skin using a hypodermic needle. The procedure is much like a typical vaccination and doesn’t cause any significant pain. Your veterinarian can insert a chip at your next office visit or while an animal is already receiving a procedure, such as spaying or neutering.

Is There Upkeep or Follow-Up Pet Care?

Once a chip has been implanted, there is very little maintenance required. It should be scanned at your annual veterinary visit to check that it is working properly. It is also important that you register the chip and update your info if there are changes to your phone number or address.

Are There Risks?

The risks are minimal, with the most common problem being the migration of the chip from the implantation site. Less commonly, people have reported device failure and problems at the injection site, such as hair loss or infection. These occur in a very small number of cases and the benefits outweigh the risks.

How Do I Make an Appointment to Have My Pet Microchipped?

We are here to answer any questions you have about microchips. At Sagamore Hills Animal Hospital, we use the latest technology to provide a range of routine pet care and emergency hospital services. We have two locations so we can serve every pet in the Sagamore Hills area. Call us today to set up an appointment, we welcome new and returning patients.

Location

Hours of Operation

Monday

8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Tuesday

8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Wednesday

8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Thursday

8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Friday

8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

Monday
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Tuesday
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Wednesday
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Thursday
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Friday
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed