Cat Microchipping Services at Highland Park
Why do veterinarians recommend cat microchipping?
Unlike collars or tags, that can fall off, a microchip is a permanent form of ID. It is implanted under the skin between the shoulder blades and will stay with the cat for the rest of its life. This is a quick and painless procedure that does not require anesthesia or surgery. Lost pets that are microchipped are 2.5 times more likely to be reunited with their owners than those that are not. Even strictly indoor cats can slip out accidentally and because they are not used to the outdoors, they can get lost more easily.
Is microchipping dangerous or painful for my cat?
No. The procedure involves inserting a needle under the skin to implant the chip. The microchip is about the size of a grain of rice. There is no need for sedation, anesthesia, or surgery, and it can be done in just a few minutes. Once implanted, your cat won't feel it and will go about life as normal.
How is a cat microchip used to identify my cat?
A good Samaritan, neighbor, or animal control finds your cat and brings it to a vet clinic, animal shelter, and an animal control facility. Then a staff member uses a universal microchip scanner to check for a chip. If a chip is found, it displays a unique ID number. The staff member then searches this number in microchip registries (HomeAgain, Avid, PetLink). If your contact information is correct and up to date, they’ll call, text, or email you directly.
Why does my cat need a microchip if they already have a collar or tag?
Unlike collars or tags, that can fall off, a microchip is a permanent form of ID. It is implanted under the skin between the shoulder blades and will stay with the cat for the rest of its life.
Will my cat’s microchip be able to tell my cat’s location?
Microchips cannot be used to track your cat in real time, like a GPS device.
Who can scan my cat’s microchip information?
Several professionals and organizations have the equipment and authority to scan your cat’s microchip. Here’s who can do it – Veterinarians, Animal Shelters and Rescues, Animal Control Officers, Pet Hospitals and Emergency Clinics, Humane Societies and SPCA locations.
When will a cat’s microchip be scanned?
Any time a lost cat is brought into a veterinary clinic, shelter, or rescue organization by a neighbor or good Samaritan, the pet will first be scanned for a microchip in hopes of identifying an owner.
What if I forget or lose my cat’s microchip information?
Any veterinary clinic or animal shelter can scan your cat and get the microchip ID number. Once you have this number you can go to www.petmicrochiplookup.org This will tell you which company the chip is registered with and then you can contact that registry directly. They can help you recover your account and update your contact information.
What is the difference between a GPS and an RFID device?
A GPS device uses satellites to determine real-time location or tracking. These devices let you know exactly where your cat roams or escapes. An RFID device is for identification purposes only. It uses radiofrequency to transmit a number when a scanner is passed over the implanted chip. This number then matches an ID in a computer database.
Need to make an appointment for your cat to get microchipped?