Microchips Can Bring Your Pet Home

If you have ever lost a pet, you know the heartbreaking feeling of not knowing where they are. Microchips offer the best way for them to return home to you and your family.

At RiverBend Veterinary PetCare, here in Charlotte, we recommend that every pet receive a microchip, a permanent identification that lasts their entire lifetime. If the unthinkable happens, we want to help provide a way for your pet to be reunited with you and your family by always having your information on them.

For me, personally, I have all of my pets microchipped. This gives me the peace of mind to know that if one of them were to escape, my information will always be accessible. And the likelihood that my pet will be returned to me is significantly higher!

What Is A Pet Microchip?

It is a small electronic chip the size of a grain of rice. Microchips are activated by specific scanners that transmit an identification number displayed on the scanner's screen. A microchip is inserted under the skin using a needle. It takes under a minute to insert and register each microchip. We make this a priority by including it in the price of our spays and neuters, but they can also be done as a quick Technician appointment any day of the week!

Getting your pet microchipped can be intimidating, but we are here to ensure the process is quick and painless. It can be implanted during a routine veterinary office visit and doesn't take more than a few seconds. Usually, a distraction with a delicious treat will take your pet's mind off what is happening. A microchip can also be implanted while your pet is under anesthesia for a procedure, such as a spay or neuter. They will never know it happened.

Here at RiverBend, we use the HomeAgain microchips. We chose to use this company because of the ease of use to clients. When we insert the microchip, our internal system automatically registers them to the owner of record – which means less work on the pet owner’s part.

Do Microchips Bring Pets Home?

Did you know cats with microchips are 20 times more likely to return home than cats without microchips? Do you have a dog? Dogs with microchips are 2.5 times more likely to be returned home than dogs with microchips.

At RiverBend, we have reunited multiple pets with their owners after the pet was brought in with a microchip implanted. One situation that stands out to me was in 2022 when a pet was reunited with their family after being missing for 6 months! It was amazing to witness the reunion, which was made possible by the fact that they had microchipped their pet when he was a puppy!

Microchips Are More Critical Than You Realize!

• After your pet receives its microchip, register it and provide your current contact information. Microchips guarantee that your pet ALWAYS has your current contact information, even if your pet loses its collar with tags. (Make sure you update your information every time you move! This is essential to ensure that your pet returns to you.)
• Microchips significantly increase the chance your pet will return home to you and your family. Giving your pet the best chance is the best thing a responsible owner can do to bring them home.
• If you like to travel, microchips are required for most international travel if you bring your pets. It's also always a good idea since you are far from home. Microchips are essential for identifying purposes in health testing and medical records. Think of microchips as a permanent medical ID band.
• Microchips aid in pet theft cases and offer proof of ownership. It takes 2 seconds to scan a found pet for a microchip inside the hospital. If the pet does have a microchip implanted, our hospital staff will reach out to the microchip company immediately to contact the owner of record.

If you are interested in microchipping your pet, give us a call at 704-971-2075. We would be happy to set up an appointment or have one implanted on an upcoming procedure or appointment. If you have any questions or concerns, we would be happy to answer them. We can't wait to see you and your pet at their next appointment.