The Importance of Pet Microchipping

Losing a pet is a heart-wrenching experience that our veterinarians at Clearwater Animal Clinic in Clearwater wouldn't wish on anyone. Yet, this type of unpredictable, undesired event happens all too frequently. The good news is that more and more pets are returned to their owners than ever before thanks to the usage of social media and effective tools like pet microchipping.

The Importance of Pet Microchipping

Microchipping is a term we use to describe the process of inserting a tiny microchip beneath a pet's skin. This microchip is embedded with a unique number that is connected with the owner's contact information. So that whenever the chip is scanned by a vet, animal hospital employee, shelter worker, or similar individual with the correct RFID device, they will know which number to use to find the owner.

The process of microchipping is very easy and minimally invasive, with the chip itself being no bigger than a grain of rice. You can even book a microchipping appointment in tandem with another vet visit, such as your pet's annual vaccines or when they are getting spayed or neutered.

In other words, microchipping offers:

- Accurate, reliable identification. Where collars and tags can frequently get lost or damaged beyond readability, microchips stay implanted throughout the life of your pet. And that microchip will only ever contain your unique identification number.

- Solid proof of ownership. Microchips serve as legal proof of ownership that you can use to identify yourself as your pet's owner. This can come in real handy should you ever need something that shows you are the rightful owner of a pet, such as in the event your pet is stolen or accidentally taken and the person is reticent to return them.

- Stress-free travel. Microchipping is increasingly becoming a requirement for travel. For example, Hawaii requires all cat and dog owners traveling into the state, including those from elsewhere in the United States, to show proof of microchipping as well as vaccinations. So getting it now is a great way to ensure that you and your pet can enjoy all of the stress-free traveling in the future.

Learn More with Our Animal Hospital in Clearwater, FL

At Clearwater Animal Clinic, we are proud to be a full-service animal hospital that serves the greater Pinellas County. We provide all types of medical care ranging from your everyday pet wellness exams to more serious surgeries. We always are available for pet microchipping and are happy to either schedule your pet for either just a pet microchipping at our veterinarian office or to have it done alongside another type of medical service. Are you looking for a veterinarian near me? Contact our team today to learn more about this process and to schedule your pet's upcoming visit.