For pet owners, there is no greater priority than the safety and wellbeing of their animal companions. As technology continues to advance, so do the options for keeping pets safe, from microchipping to GPS tracking. This is why the question of whether pet microchipping is worth it has become a topic of great interest for pet owners. The answer to this question is not always straightforward, as there are many factors to consider. In this blog post, we will explore the pros and cons of pet microchipping and provide insight into the decision-making process so that pet owners can make an informed decision on whether microchipping is the right choice for their pet.
The Costs of Microchipping a Pet
Considering the benefits, microchipping is a relatively inexpensive procedure. That doesn’t mean there aren’t any expenses, though.
Your vet will likely charge you between $40 and $50 to complete the procedure. You might be able to save money if you have the chip implanted while you’re there for another reason, like a routine checkup, as some of that will likely be due to the cost of an office visit.
If cost is an issue, it may be possible to have the chip implanted more affordably by a rescue organization or an animal shelter.
Additionally, if you adopt a pet from a rescue organization or animal shelter, it might already be chipped. If it’s not included in the adoption fees, that will save you some money, but it’s crucial that you change the registration information with the microchipping company so you are contacted rather than the previous owner.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Dog Microchipping?
Being unintentionally separated from their dog is a common fear shared by many dog owners. Unfortunately, there are numerous ways for this to occur, including when your pet runs off your property and gets lost or when you are out for a walk and they get lost. Some dogs are taken by thieves who are opportunistic or even well-prepared and who target particular breeds that they are aware are in high demand. And, in some extremely rare circumstances, someone might take your dog friend thinking it belongs to them, which would result in a disagreement over ownership. It can be devastating for you and your pet, whatever the reason, to be apart.
Pet microchipping is a popular method of animal identification that can aid in the reunion of lost pets with their owners. But many owners continue to have reservations about the idea of having their pet chipped. Here are the benefits and drawbacks of dog microchipping that you should be aware of in order to make an educated decision.
Owners are choosing microchipping over more traditional identification methods like tags and collars for a variety of reasons. These include:
I’m aware that some people might argue that the government shouldn’t require microchipping, but consider the fact that every car must have a VIN number, a license plate, and every firearm must be registered to the owner. In addition, a dog can be far more dangerous than a gun in the wrong hands and is far more valuable to a dog lover than a car.
To me, it’s simple to decide whether or not to microchip your dog. If you microchip your dog as soon as you can, you’ll be able to rest easier knowing that you’ll have a better chance of finding him if something unfortunate happens.
Everyone is aware of how passionately I feel about the growing stray issue. Microchipping dogs wouldn’t solve the problems completely. However, if everyone had their dogs spayed, neutered, and microchipped, the number of stray animals would be drastically reduced. If owners who abandon their dogs knew there would be repercussions like fines or jail time, they might think twice about leaving their dog in the country or on the streets. Microchips would help reunite lost and runaway dogs with their families.
It’s difficult to disagree that mandatory microchipping would be a good idea, whether the microchip is ultimately used to reunite a family with a missing pet or to deter criminals from harming dogs or using them to harm others. It would lessen stray animals, euthanasia rates, and overcrowding in shelters—all issues that are only escalating.
The first is that many dogs are abandoned rather than truly lost. People purchase dogs, decide they no longer want them, and then take the dogs somewhere and leave them. And no one would notice if they remember to remove the collar and tags. The owner of that dog could be identified if it had been microchipped.
FAQ
What are the cons of microchipping a dog?
- The microchip can move. Dogs’ microchips are typically found between their shoulder blades by animal care professionals, but occasionally they may move to another area of the dog’s body.
- Different microchips emit different frequencies. …
- Microchips don’t show location.
What is the best age to microchip a dog?
The sooner you microchip your puppy, the sooner your dog will be secured in case it escapes or goes missing. For this reason, many veterinarians advise having your puppy microchipped at the age of eight weeks. You could also think about regional regulations for pet vaccinations, microchipping, and registration.
How long does a microchip last in a dog?
The microchip receives enough power from the scanner when it is moved over the animal to transmit its ID number. There are no moving parts or batteries, so there is nothing to maintain, wear out, or replace. The microchip will last your pet’s lifetime.
Can you track a dog with a microchip?
Only a very close-range microchip scanner can read it. It can only be used to identify a pet’s microchip ID number after someone has found and taken it somewhere with a microchip scanner; it cannot be used to find a lost pet.