Home again with a microchip

There's a story on NY Post today about a beagle named Rocco that has been found after missing for five years. Even the family who owns it could not believe that they have been reunited with their beloved pooch after all these years. According to the article, it was a "combination of chance and chip" that brought them together. But when a pet is lost, one may not have control on chances, but there is certainly something one can do with the chip part.

What is this chip anyway? A microchip is a tiny capsule, as small as a grain of rice, that is implanted in an animal's skin for identification. Consider it like the social security number for your pet. Each microchip contains a unique identification number. The chip is inserted between the shoulder blades for dogs and cats. Although the procedure does not require an anesthesia, it is usually quick and not traumatic for the animal.

When I first heard of microchipping on animals, I thought it is like a GPS navigator or a lojack for cars. But as high-tech as it may sound, a microchip does not work that way. It may not tell you where your pet is, but it serves as a useful identification both for your pet and you, as the pet owner. When a pet is lost or stolen, and is found and surrendered to an animal control office or taken to a shelter, it is scanned to check if a chip exists. If they detected a chip, the authorities call a recovery service and gives them the ID number and location of the animal. Thus, a reunion is set between a pet and its owner.

Many families have benefited from having their pets microchipped, as it prevents loss, theft and provides proof of ownership of the animal. It is more reliable than just buying a collar for your pet. Animal shelters are also microchipping animals before they become available for adoption. It is something that every pet owner should consider.

If you haven't done so, ask your veterinarian about microchipping. You'll never know when you might get separated from your pet. With its microchip, you can always have that hope that it can be home again.