Microchipping your puppy
Contrary to popular belief, microchips in pets aren’t for tracking their location. Instead, these microchips serve as a permanent form of identification.
Microchips are about the size of a grain of rice. These chips are easily inserted under the skin between the shoulder blades during routine wellness appointments.
How does microchipping work?
Your pup’s microchip doesn’t actively transmit information. Instead, it stores your pet’s unique microchip number. If your dog becomes lost, a microchip scanner will be moved over your dog’s body to find the chip and associated number. The number can be looked up to find your puppy’s name, your name and your contact information. Microchips are extremely helpful for reuniting lost pets with their families. In fact, they more than double the likelihood that your lost pup is returned to you.
Should I get my puppy microchipped?
We recommend a microchip for all dogs. Your puppy could sneak out an open door or escape their leash when outside. If you have a yard, your pup could dig under the fence or escape out an opened gate. Collars can fall off or even be intentionally removed by people. Tags can become worn and unreadable. But microchips are permanent.
After your puppy is microchipped, make sure the microchip is registered. Your veterinarian (or the shelter if your puppy was microchipped there) will provide you with the information necessary to register your pet. If you move or get new contact information, make sure the information is updated.
What age can you microchip a puppy?
Most puppies can be microchipped by the time they’re 8 weeks old, but the ideal time to microchip your puppy may vary based on their size and breed. For instance, if your puppy is very large, they could potentially be microchipped earlier. A tiny chihuahua, however, might do better with a microchip when they’re a bit larger at 3 to 4 months of age.How do I get my puppy microchipped?
Your VCA care team is happy to help you with microchipping your puppy. A microchip can be inserted at routine puppy wellness appointments. Find a VCA Animal Hospital to schedule this service.
