The Benefits of Microchipping Your Pet

As pet owners in Slingerlands, we cherish the bond we share with our furry companions. Whether you're strolling through the Rail Trail or playing in your backyard, your pet is a beloved member of your family. But despite our best efforts, accidents happen—gates are left open, collars slip off, and pets wander off. Microchipping comes in as a reliable and permanent solution to help bring lost pets home.

What Is a Microchip?

A microchip is a tiny device, about the size of a grain of rice, implanted just beneath your pet’s skin—typically between the shoulder blades. Each chip carries a unique identification number that’s linked to your contact information in a national pet recovery database. If your lost pet is found and brought to a veterinary clinic or animal shelter, a quick scan of the microchip reveals your contact information, helping reunite you with your pet as quickly as possible.

Why Microchipping Matters

• Increased Recovery Chances: According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, dogs with microchips are more than twice as likely to be returned to their owners, and microchipped cats are more than 20 times as likely to be reunited.

• Quick and Safe: Microchipping is a quick, nearly painless procedure performed during a routine visit. It requires no surgery or anesthesia and takes only seconds to complete.

• Lifelong Protection: Once implanted, a microchip lasts for your pet’s lifetime and requires no maintenance—just keep your contact information up to date.

• Works Nationwide: Even if your pet travels or gets lost far from home, shelters and vet clinics across the country have scanners to read the chip.

What to Expect During the Process

During the microchipping process, you can expect a quick and simple procedure that’s similar to a routine vaccination. At The Animal Hospital in Slingerlands, we will gently insert the microchip beneath your pet’s skin between the shoulder blades using a sterile, pre-loaded syringe. The entire process takes only a few seconds and requires no anesthesia. Most pets experience little to no discomfort—many don’t even react at all. 

After the chip is implanted, we’ll register the microchip with your contact information and provide instructions on how to keep it up to date. It’s a safe, effective way to give your pet lifelong identification and protection.

Get Started at The Animal Hospital 

Losing a pet is a heart-wrenching experience, but microchipping offers a layer of protection that can significantly increase the chances of a safe return. In Slingerlands, where our pets are truly part of the family, taking this simple step can bring you peace of mind and safeguard your pet’s future.

Schedule your pet’s microchip appointment at The Animal Hospital today. Visit our office in Slingerlands, New York, or call (518) 456-0852 for more information.