Where is Fluffy? She was here just a few minutes ago. But now she is nowhere to be seen. You call, you search the neighborhood, and you wait. No Fluffy. Now it is 24 hours later and still no sign of your pet. You spring into action. You call the local shelters and post flyers. What else can you do? An ounce of prevention may be the key to getting Fluffy home.

After your pet has completed his or her final vaccinations, ask your veterinarian to place an identification microchip under the skin. Microchipping is recognized as the most effective and secure way of permanently identifying a pet. An identification microchip is the size of a grain of rice inserted into the loose skin on the back of the neck. The insertion process, although uncomfortable, is the equivalent of getting a shot.

Each microchip carries a unique number that is logged onto a national database. The number is matched to owner and pet information. When a scanner is passed over the microchip, the chip is activated allowing the unique number to be read. An excellent example is the the HomeAgain pet tracking microchip distributed by Schering-Plough Animal Health. The American Kennel Club maintains a nationwide database of these microchip numbers and can be contacted 24/7. 

Posted by Barbara.