Since your pet can get lost in a heartbeat, our veterinarians suggest microchipping for both cats and dogs. Did you know that studies show cats have a 5% chance of being returned to their owners once they are taken to an animal shelter? Pet microchips are easy and affordable at San Marco Animal Hospital in Jacksonville, FL.
The device is about the size of a rice grain. It is injected beneath the loose skin between the animal’s shoulder blades using a sterile, single-use applicator. Implantation is quick and no more painful than a routine vaccination.
The chip is made of biocompatible materials. It is unlikely to cause health problems or side effects and will not degrade over time.
The microchip contains a single unique ID number that is only accessible by the manufacturer of the microchip, so you don’t have to worry about anyone with a scanner accessing your personal contact information. A veterinarian, animal control facility, or rescue scans it and calls the number into a national pet recovery database that notifies you. (It is essential to keep contact information updated.)
Collars and tags can be lost, intentionally removed, or unreadable. A microchip stays with your pet for life, providing permanent identification.
Microchipping is an affordable one-time fee.
Most cats do not wear collars with identification tags. The return rate for a microchipped cat is 20 times higher than for those without microchips.
The unfortunate truth is that most lost pets are not always reunited with their owners. They suffer the perils of the highway or end up in shelters and pounds where they may be adopted by a new family or euthanized. Scanning for microchips is routine at most impounding facilities in Florida, and virtually every rescue and veterinary office has a universal scanner so that you can be reunited with your pet promptly.
We hope you never have the anxiety of losing a pet, but if you do, a microchip is likely to bring a happy ending. Don’t wait for your pet to get lost– Call our office at (904) 399-5557 to get your pet microchipped.
Dr. Gutta grew up in India and moved to the United States in 2002 to pursue higher education. After completing the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam (NAVLE), Dr. Gutta attended Louisiana State University (LSU) School of Veterinary Medicine to complete his clinical rotations. Dr. Gutta also earned a Master’s Degree in Animal Science from the University of Georgia (UGA).
Following his clinical rotations at LSU Veterinary School, Dr. Gutta obtained his Florida State license to practice veterinary medicine in the state of Florida.
Before beginning his career at San Marco Animal Hospital, Dr. Gutta practiced as an associate veterinarian for Banfield Pet Hospital for more than 10 years. During this time, he gained a highly sought reputation for being very personable and educating clients on their pet’s health. As an associate veterinarian, Dr. Gutta has gained extensive experience with many soft tissue surgeries while continuing to practice high-quality veterinary medicine.
Dr. Gutta joined San Marco Animal Hospital in March 2016 after his wife, Dr. Sri, decided to work part-time to raise their three children. His professional interests include wellness and preventive care, senior pet care, and nutrition counseling for both dogs and cats. Dr. Gutta has particular interests in canine and feline medicine, endocrine cases, skin cases, nutrition, and behavior. Dr. Gutta is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and Jacksonville Veterinary Medical Society (JVMS).
In his free time, Dr. Gutta enjoys spending time with his family and personal pets. He especially enjoys outdoor activities such as gardening, swimming, and playing tennis.
Would you like to book an appointment with Dr. Venkat Reddy Gutta?
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Phone Number: (904) 399-5557
