Microchipping your dog

          A microchip is a small device, the size of a rice grain, that is implanted underneath your dog’s or cat’s skin, usually around the neck area.  It contains a unique number that only your pet has. This number allows shelter personnel and veterinarians to scan your pet, contact the organization that stores your information in a registry and then quickly and efficiently get in touch with you so that you and your pet can be reunited.  The chip itself does not contain any of your personal information, i.e. phone number or address.  The chip is also not a tracking device or GPS.

          Implanting the microchip in your pet does not hurt your pet physically.  It is like getting their annual immunization shoot. Your pet will also not have any negative side effects from this procedure.

          It is important to register and keep your personal information, name, telephone numbers and address up to date in an online microchip registry.  You can usually open an online account with them and make updates at your convenience.  The shelter or veterinarian implanting the chip will provide you with detailed information on how to register your pet.
Microchip 2

Why microchip your dog?

          We constantly hear stories about dogs getting lost, either they get a chance to run away, the family is involved in a car accident and the dog gets lost in the resulting chaos, there is a house fire and the dog disappears, the stories are endless.  I recently read a story about a dog that was stolen and showed up in a kill shelter several years later and thousands of miles away.  A diligent shelter worker scanned the dog and was able to find his original owners who were beside themselves with joy for being reunited with their beloved dog. 

          Chances are that your family will probably never have to face one of those scenarios.  But, in case your pet gets lost, the chances of retrieving your beloved pet are a thousand times more likely if your pet has a microchip.  Most shelters in Virginia have a ten day waiting period, 5 days if a stray dog has no collar. If no owner is found the shelter will then put the dog up for adoption. BUT, if the shelter is full, your pet might end up on the euthanasia list. If your pet is lost it is extremely important that you immediately plan a visit to your local animal shelter to physically check if your dog is there.

          The relative small cost of a microchip will offset the heartache and pain of never being able to see your pet again. Do your homework, there are many microchip vendors on the market. Some require an annual renewal fee, others you have to pay a one-time fee and your pet is registered for the rest of its life. If you adopted your dog by a reputable animal rescue the microchip fee is most likely included in the adoption fee.

          We at Bobbie’s Pit Bull Rescue and Sanctuary are firm believers in microchipping all pets.  All our adoptable and personal dogs are microchipped.  We offer free micro-chipping to pet owners who might not be able to afford a microchip.  BE SMART, BE A RESPONSIBLE PET OWNER.

BPRS will be offering free microchipping to canines for low income families and our homeless community. If you are interested and need assistance please email us at bobbiespitrescue@gmail.com, leave a message with us on Facebook. 
We will promise to get back to you promptly to answer any questions you may have. Thank you.