Ann Arbor Animal Hospital demonstrates microchipping procedure as part of Microchip Month
In a situation where a companion animal is lost, it's a harrowing experience. It's unexpected, and a pet can't tell anyone where they belong.
There are three essential things that can help bring a lost dog or cat home safely: a collar with a clearly marked identification tag, having recent photos of the pet on hand, and most importantly — being microchipped. The latter is important because collars can slip off, leaving no way to positively identify the animal.
Being microchipped is crucial, even if your cat is strictly an indoor dweller.
What does the microchipping process entail? Is it painful? How is a pet identified once they are found if they have a microchip?
Dr. Janet Figgara answers these questions and more during the following video as she performs a microchipping procedure on Frankie, to promote Microchip Month at Ann Arbor Animal Hospital.
Lorrie Shaw is a dog walker and owner of Professional Pet Sitting, and is a regular contributor to AnnArbor.com's pet section. Reach her via e-mail and follow her on Twitter @psa2.
Comments
Lorrie Shaw
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 7:07 p.m.
Wow, I'm thrilled to see all of the interaction with regard to this topic. I was just so amazed at how simple the procedure was - Frankie didn't seem fazed by it.
Ann Dwyer
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 1:08 p.m.
The HSHV microchips pets. I can't remember what kind they use.
kissthecobra
Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 7:02 p.m.
The U.K. has a system for tracking adverse results for microchip implants in pets and have record complications occurring in one case per million implants, which is fairly insignificant. The individual behind publicizing the majority of the criticism behind the micro-chipping of animals is Dr. Katherine Albrecht, who holds a doctorate in education and has led the bandwagon against microchips used for I.D. purposes in all sorts of applications. Personally, I must say Ann Arbor Animal Hospital offers excellent care and Dr. Janet Figgara is my veterinarian. She's 100% in my book.
wendyo
Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 8:13 a.m.
Tyler, Saw that article (microchips causing cancer) but the Ann Arbor Animal Hospital is not using Merck chips which are the only chip mentioned in the article you cited.
Chooch
Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 9:50 p.m.
Here's an interesting article I think would be worth reading and further investigating if you are considering micro-chipping your pet: Animal microchips linked to causing cancer - http://www.naturalnews.com/030108_microchips_animals.html