It might sound hard to believe, but roughly one out of three pets will go missing at some point. Fortunately, microchipping your pet can greatly reduce their chances of getting lost and being permanently separated from your family. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, microchipped dogs are returned to their owners at a rate of approximately 52 percent. Dogs that do not have a microchip are returned at a rate of about 22 percent. For cats, the numbers are even more stark, with microchipped cats being reunited with their families at a rate of 39 percent, and non-microchipped cats being returned only 2 percent of the time.
A Microchip Keeps Your Pet Connected to You
A microchip is a tiny, easy, and affordable way to keep your pet connected to you. If they ever go missing, there’s a good chance they’ll be found, identified, and returned to your family.
At Shawsheen Animal Hospital, we offer HomeAgain brand microchips, and placing a chip into your pet is fast and virtually painless. The chip is carefully injected between your pet’s shoulder blades and under their skin. It will stay there permanently, for the rest of your pet’s life!
One of the most important things about your pet’s microchip is its unique ID number, which needs to be registered right away into the HomeAgain database. Registering your pet’s microchip ensures that if your pet is found and scanned, their ID number can be entered into the database and your contact information will come up.
4 Tips to Prevent Your Pet from Getting Lost
Our pets don’t understand the risks of running off and getting lost, but we certainly do! Here are some tips to keep your pet safe and secure.
Up-to-Date Identification
Your dog or cat should have an up-to-date ID tag on their collar or harness that includes your phone number, your pet’s name, and their proof of rabies vaccination. This information will help a good Samaritan address your pet by name and contact you to make sure your pet is returned safely. It also lets them know your pet is vaccinated.
But in addition to ID tags, we also recommend microchipping your pet.
A Collar and Leash Suited to Your Pet’s Size
An ill-fitting collar and inappropriate leash could result in your pet making a mad dash to parts unknown. Make sure your pet’s collar is fitted snugly enough so that there is no risk of it slipping off, while also ensuring you can fit two fingers between the collar and your pet’s neck so it’s comfortable.
Leash size is also important. For extremely small dogs like Yorkies and Silky Terriers, a smaller and thinner leash might be acceptable, but for larger dogs, you’ll want a thicker, sturdier leash that won’t snap. We also advise strongly against retractable leashes for all dog breeds, as these reduce the amount of control you have over your pet and can put your pet at risk.
Obedience Training
Training your pet to obey basic commands and stay by your side takes practice, but it can also be a lifesaver, and prevent your pet from getting distracted and running off. Regular training sessions and positive reinforcement will go a long way towards improving your pet’s behavior and strengthening their bond with you.
Preparation
It always helps to be prepared. What would your plan be if your pet does get loose and run away? Consider who you can contact, and how you can raise awareness in your neighborhood so other residents can keep an eye out and help you find your pet.
