In this addition of Kelly's Corner, I'd like to talk a little about microchipping. Microchipping is a permanent form of ID for your pet. When I talk to clients about microchipping a lot of people think that it works like a GPS... so no, you can't turn on your computer and link it to the micro-chip to find "Fluffy."

Microchips are fast becoming the preferred method of permanent ID. Previously the other form of permanent ID was tattooing. The problem with tattooing is that over time the tattoo can become very hard to read and there isn't a database that lists tattoos, so if you find a pet with a tattoo, it can be very hard to trace.

The microchip is about the size of a grain of rice, and is usually implanted between your pet's shoulder blades. It's implanted using a larger size needle, very similar to when your pet gets it's vaccinations. If your pet goes missing, and any SPCA, veterinary clinic, animal shelter in North America, finds your pet, they scan them with a microchip reader, get the ID number, then we call the company to get your information to get you reunited with your pet!

You can get your pet microchipped any time with just a regular appointment. It may be easier for you to get your pet microchipped when they come in for a surgery such as a spay or neuter. Microchips are only effective if you keep your information current with the company. For example, we had the SPCA bring a dog to us that was hit by a car. We scanned him, and she did have a microchip, but it was still registered to the breeder in Manitoba. We called the number and couldn't get in touch with anyone. The technology works, but only if you keep your information current with the company. Most companies have a 1-800 number and it's just a quick call to change your information.

We certainly encourage and recommend microchipping, and if you have any other questions that I haven't answered here, please don't hesitate to give us a call.