Imagine the heartbreak of losing your beloved pet. Now, imagine the relief of being reunited quickly, thanks to a tiny device no bigger than a grain of rice. That’s the power of a microchip.

What is a Microchip?

A microchip is a small, electronic device implanted just under your pet’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades. The procedure is quick, similar to receiving a vaccination, and causes minimal discomfort. Each microchip carries a unique identification number that’s linked to your contact information in a secure database.

How Do Microchips Help?

When a lost pet is found, veterinary clinics, animal shelters, and rescue groups use special scanners to detect and read the microchip. This simple scan reveals the pet’s unique ID number, which can be used to access the owner’s contact details—making reunions faster and more likely.

Eye-Opening Lost Pet Statistics

• Over 10 million dogs and cats are lost or stolen every year in the U.S.
• 1 in 3 pets will get lost at some point in their lives.
• Microchipped dogs are returned to their owners 52% of the time — a 238% increase compared to dogs without microchips.
• Microchipped cats have an even more dramatic return rate of 38%, a staggering 2,000% increase over non-microchipped cats.

Why Microchipping Matters

Unlike collars and tags, which can break or fall off, microchips are a permanent form of identification. They significantly boost the chances of your pet making it back home if they ever go missing. Plus, they’re a one-time investment for a lifetime of security.

Don’t Forget to Register Your Pet’s Microchip

A microchip is only effective if it’s registered with current contact information. Shockingly, only 58% of microchipped pets in shelters have properly registered microchips. This simple oversight can render the microchip useless in helping to reunite pets with their families.

Make sure your pet’s microchip is registered and keep your contact details up to date. You can register at HomeAgain.com.

Need to Get Your Pet Microchipped?

Scheduling an appointment with your veterinarian is the easiest way to get your pet microchipped. If cost is a concern, many local animal shelters offer free or low-cost microchipping services.

Morris Animal Refuge proudly offers FREE microchips through the Philly Pets Program. Take advantage of this life-saving service and give your pet the best chance of finding their way home if they ever get lost. Visit our website events page here or reach out to info@morrisanimalrefuge.org to see when the next vaccine and microchip clinic will be

Because when it comes to your pet’s safety, a microchip isn’t just an option—it’s peace of mind.