Tags/Microchips

Every two seconds, a family companion is lost. Tragically, many never make it back home because they lack identification. A microchip along with a collar and identification tag is the BEST way to ensure you and your companion will be quickly reunited.

In today's society, we treat our companion animals as beloved members of the family. While we try to do everything to ensure their safety, unforeseen events like a broken fence, open window, or damage resulting from a storm or earthquake, may result in our companion becoming lost.

Why microchip if they already wear a collar and tag?

Simply because collars can fall off or break, tags can be lost or wear off so they are illegible. A combination of a microchip, properly fitting collar and current identification tag, and keeping your companion properly confined, are the best insurance policies you can provide to keep your animal friend safe.

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What is a microchip and how does it work?

  • A microchip is a nonremovable form of identification.
  • About the size of a grain of rice, the microchip contains a personal identification number that stays with your companion animal forever.
  • The microchip is inserted under the skin of your companion with an injection and it is a safe and easy procedure.
  • When a lost animal is found, it can be taken to a local animal shelter, veterinary office, or animal control agency and examined with a hand-held scanner that reads a code specific to your animal.
  • Every animal with a microchip should be registered so that the 24-hour telephone hotline can provide the finder with information necessary to help reunite you and your companion quickly. Ask about this when adopting.

Hopefully, your companion will never need this protection, but microchip identification can help provide insurance that you and your companion animal will be reunited after an accidental separation.

Details courtesy of the Safeway Veterinary Strategic Alliance and the Seattle/King County Veterinary Medical Association.