Why Microchip your pet? Hundreds of pets go missing every year. There are several reasons to microchip your beloved pet. First and foremost, it saves your pet from being thought of as a stray. The first thing all shelters, pounds, and veterinary offices do with an unknown animal is scanned with a universal scanner it to see if it’s micro-chipped. One can’t rely on their ID collars staying on them especially if they have been stolen. Having a pet that is known to be microchipped is less likely to be stolen. The chip doesn’t help locate the pet but if the pet is able to be scan it will show who the owner is. This chip has proven on several occasions who the rightful owner is. There is some risk when implanting the microchip such as infections at the injection site and pain at the site due to a large needle that is used. The benefits defiantly out weigh the risk. Sometimes the chip can migrate from the original site, if it does be sure to document the new location of the chip. The original site for the microchip is between the shoulder blades. Have your vet to scan your pet yearly while getting their vaccinations to document the location of the chip. There are several companies that provide the chips. Some companies charge a yearly maintenance fee while others are only a one-time fee. You will need to keep your contact information up to date with the chip company. Hopefully every animal will be returned home if ever lost.