At VCA Neshaminy Animal Hospital, we recommended microchipping your pets. A microchip is a transponder, about the size of a grain of rice, that is encoded with a unique identification number. It is used for permanent identification in pets. The technology is relatively recent, but is becoming widely available. Before insertion, the sterile microchip is scanned in the package to confirm that the identification code of the transponder is the same as shown on the package bar code label. The procedure is fast, and relatively pain free. Once your pet is microchipped, you must register him or her with the appropriate agency. Your veterinarian will provide you with the documents and contact information and will tell you if any fees are required. Most, if not all, shelters and veterinarians, have universal microchip readers, and routinely scan all strays and injured animals.
