Shelters and pet adoption agencies are the biggest proponents of pet microchipping, usually implanting the small chip prior to adoption. That is the good news. The bad news is that sometimes the new adopter information isn't updated in the database. And in some cases, the new owners are not aware or forget to update their information after a move or phone number change.
This negates the purpose of microchips; reuniting lost pets with their people, as sadly illustrated by this news story.
What is a microchip?
It is a small grain-of-rice-sized metal "ID tag" that is implanted with a needle over your pet's shoulder blades. Learn more: Microchip photo gallery
Why have a microchip?
First and foremost, microchips help lost pets find their people. Chips also help with pet ownership disputes and allow shelters and adoption agencies to ensure that the pet is not found wandering the streets, neglected or abused (pets are routinely scanned when picked up or found by shelters).
More About Microchips:
- Micro-chipped pet returns home one year later
- Microchip, anyone?
By Kathy Covey, The Cat's Meow
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