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National Microchipping Month

Sweet, sweet summertime, am I right? Suns shining, vacations in fun swing, barbecues, and swimming all day long. But did you know that summertime is also the time when pets are at a higher risk of getting lost and end up at shelters? That’s why the month of June is also recognized as National Microchipping Month for our pet friends.

During this time, pet owners are encouraged to take advantage of our special discount here at Crosspoint Veterinary Hospital.

For the entire month of June, we are offering a generous discount of $25.00 for a microchip, which also includes one year of additional features included through HomeAgain® if your pet were to get lost!

There are millions of cats and dogs that enter animal shelters ever year. Unfortunately, only about 20% of dogs and less than 2% of cats get reunited with their owners. By getting your pet microchipped, you are greatly increasing your chances of being reunited with your best friend in the event that they become lost.

Still unsure about microchipping your pet? Here are a few questions owners have asked us here at Crosspoint Veterinary Hospital to give you a little more security:

Can I track them on my phone like a GPS?

• Pet microchips are not tracking devices. They are radio-frequency identification (RFID) implants that provide permanent ID for your pet. Because they use RFID technology, microchips do not require a power source like a GPS. When a microchip scanner is passed over the pet, the microchip gets enough power from the scanner to transmit the microchip's ID number. Since there's no battery and no moving parts, there's nothing to keep charged, wear out, or replace.

Does the microchip ever stop working? Can it come out?

• A microchip will normally last the lifetime of your pet because it is composed of biocompatible materials that will not degenerate over time. The HomeAgain® standard size microchips have the Bio-Bond™ patented anti–migration feature to help ensure the chip stays where it's implanted. Also, since microchips require no power source and have no moving parts, there's nothing that can wear out and need to be replaced. Pet owners can also check to make sure their pet's microchip is still working by asking a vet to scan it during their pet's next checkup.

Does it really work if my pet gets lost? And how does it work?

• Microchips carry only a unique identification number. If your pet gets lost and is taken to a vet clinic or animal shelter, your pet will be scanned for a microchip to reveal his unique ID number. That number will be called into the pet recovery service, and you will be contacted using the contact information on file with your pet's microchip.  This code is stored with your pet's profile and linked to your contact information in the HomeAgain® National Pet Recovery Database – forever.

• Microchips are designed to last your pet's entire lifetime. Once enrolled, they link to a permanent record of your information – which is important to keep up-to-date so you can be reached when your lost pet is found. Your microchip comes with a personal listing in our lost pet database, and this translates to anytime/anywhere pet recovery services. Virtually all veterinary clinics and animal shelters across the country are equipped with scanners that can read your pet's microchip. HomeAgain® members can breathe a little easier knowing their lost cat or dog can be identified whether he's 3 or 3,000 miles away from home.

Does my pet needs to be put under anesthesia to have the microchip implanted?

• No anesthetic is required for a microchip implant. The procedure is performed at your veterinarian's office and is simple and similar to administering a vaccine or a routine shot. The microchip injection comes preloaded in a sterile applicator and is injected under the loose skin between the shoulder blades. The process takes only a few seconds.

Call us today to get your cat or dog scheduled for a Microchip!