Even with the best of intentions, accidents can happen. Your cat can get spooked. A beloved kitty may sneak out during a move, a family gathering, or when being watched by the pet sitter. Happily, San Marco Animal Hospital provides families in Jacksonville, Florida, and the surrounding area with considerable peace of mind. Our microchip service helps to support many joyous reunions between pets and parents in the event of an escape. In fact, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) reports that microchipped cats are twenty times more likely to be reunited with their parents than those felines who do not have the chip.
Microchips are tiny (about the size of a grain of rice) electronic devices. These safe and secure chips are gently and painlessly placed underneath your pet’s skin during a quick visit. Or, we can introduce the chip during a routine “well” visit and as part of your pet’s broader wellness program.
Should your pet ever go missing, veterinary practices and hospitals like ours (as well as shelters and other animal health and welfare organizations) can scan the chip. Once the chip is scanned, it transmits a unique identifier. Each pet is assigned a unique number. Microchip registries maintain the information that is then used to contact you should your lost cat’s ID come up. You control what information is kept by the registry. So, confidential information like your mobile phone number and home address are protected.
It is important to contact the registry whenever you move to a new place or city, get a new phone number, or have any other life changes that could affect the accuracy and relevancy of the information in the respective registry database.
As noted, the microchipping process is fast, easy, and not invasive. Pets won’t feel anything while the chip is inserted (typically between the shoulder blades) like an injection. So, no anaesthetic is needed for comfort. Also, since the procedure is not invasive, there is nothing to recover from. The process will help, however, to recover your cat! The AVMA reports that one in three companion animals will go missing at some point in their lives. Of those cats who do not have microchips or ID tags, only 2% will be reunited with their families. Of course, our services are for cats and dogs alike. Of those dogs that are not chipped or tagged, the American Humane Society reports only 15% will be returned to their owners. Dogs with microchips are reportedly two times more likely to find their way back to their owners.
It should be emphasized that microchips are not substitutes for collars and tags that are current, readable, and in good working condition. Likewise, collars and tags can break, fall off, or sustain wear and tear. Microchips provide another layer of safety and security.
Call 904-399-5557 with questions and to schedule an appointment at San Marco Animal Hospital in Jacksonville, FL. When you call, be sure to ask about our cat, kitten, dog, and puppy wellness plans. These plans cover many preventive services and provide discounts on other procedures or products that may be needed to keep your pet healthy, happy, and looking great.
Phone Number: (904) 399-5557
