Why Microchipping Is One of the Best Things You Can Do for Your Pet
Every pet owner hopes they’ll never experience the heartbreak of a lost dog or cat. But accidents happen—gates break, doors get left open, or pets slip out during storms. That’s why microchipping is one of the most valuable tools you can give your pet. At Dominion Valley Animal Hospital, we offer microchipping as a safe, simple way to help reunite pets with their families.
A microchip is a tiny device—about the size of a grain of rice—that’s implanted just under your pet’s skin between the shoulder blades. The procedure is quick, similar to a vaccination, and doesn’t require anesthesia. Once placed, the chip is permanent and can’t be removed or damaged like a collar or tag.
Each chip contains a unique identification number that is linked to your contact information in a national pet registry. If your pet is found and scanned at a veterinary clinic or animal shelter, your information can be retrieved, and you can be contacted right away.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, microchipped dogs are over twice as likely to be returned home, and cats are more than 20 times as likely. That’s a huge difference—and one that could save your pet’s life.
It’s important to keep your contact information up to date in the registry. We’ll walk you through the registration process at the time of microchipping and provide you with everything you need to manage your pet’s information moving forward.
Microchipping is recommended for all pets, even those that stay primarily indoors. All it takes is one unexpected escape for a pet to become lost. And in cases of natural disasters or emergencies, a microchip can make the difference between days of worry and a safe return.
If your pet hasn’t been microchipped yet, now is the perfect time. Contact Dominion Valley Animal Hospital at (703) 753-4444 or visit us at 5371 Merchants View SquareHaymarket, VA 20169 to schedule your appointment and give your pet the best chance of finding their way home if they’re ever lost.
