Microchip installation is an extremely simple procedure that can significantly increase the likelihood of your pet returning home safely should it ever become lost. The process involves the quick, relatively painless injection of a microchip (about the size of a grain of rice) between the animal’s shoulder blades. The chip is then ready to be registered online, so it is digitally linked with the owner’s address and contact information. At the Beaverdale Vet Clinic we use HomeAgain brand microchips which are one of the highest performers in the field, and the only brand with anti-migration technology so the chip stays in place. The HomeAgain website is a great resource for additional information on microchipping including some demonstration videos and a section for frequently asked questions. Here is a brief excerpt from their site explaining how the microchip works once installed:

 

A HomeAgain microchip is a permanent pet ID. The microchip itself has no internal energy source, so it will last the life of your pet. It is read by passing a microchip scanner over the pet’s shoulder blades. The scanner emits a low radio frequency that provides the power necessary to transmit the microchips unique cat or dog ID code and positively identify the pet.
HomeAgain is the only dog and cat microchipping product on the market today that has the patented anti-migration feature to help ensure that the microchip will stay in place so that it may be easily located and scanned. If your pet gets lost and is taken to an animal shelter or veterinarian, they will scan the microchip to read its unique dog or cat ID code. This is the number used by HomeAgain to identify the pet and retrieve your contact information, which is used to contact you and reunite you with your pet.