Microchip? Is that like GPS?

The following post is courtesy of www.animalalliancenyc.org.



Why microchip your pets?

Having your pets microchipped is one of the best ways to increase the chance that, if your pet becomes lost or stolen and winds up at an animal shelter or veterinary office, he or she can be returned to you. Unlike dog tags and collars, which can fall off or be removed, microchipping is a more permanent form of identifying your dog or cat.

How does it work?

A tiny capsule about the size of a grain of rice is injected under the loose skin on the back of your pet's neck. The procedure provides no more discomfort than a vaccination.

What do I have to do?

Register the chip. This is extremely important! If your vet does not submit the paperwork for you, make sure YOU complete the form and mail it to the company.  And even if your vet submits the paperwork for you, it's a good idea to follow up with the company to make sure the chip was registered correctly. (If you have your dog or cat microchipped at a Mayor's Alliance low-cost microchipping clinic, the Mayor's Alliance will submit the paperwork for you.)

I've lost my microchipped pet.  Now what?

If your dog or cat becomes lost and turns up at a shelter or vet's office, a scanner can be used to read the digital number on the chip.

A phone call to the microchip company to which you registered the microchip provides the shelter or vet with your contact information, and you can be contacted to retrieve your pet.

Where can I have my pet(s) microchipped?

The Mayor's Alliance holds low-cost microchipping clinics at events throughout the year where you can have your dog(s) or cat(s) microchipped for only $25 each. If you'd like to host a microchipping clinic in your neighborhood, please contact us at info@AnimalAllianceNYC.org.

You can also ask your veterinarian or local animal shelter for advice about microchipping and prices.
If you'd like to host a microchipping clinic in your neighborhood, please contact us at info@AnimalAllianceNYC.org.