PetPlace Highlights the Importance of Microchipping for Pets Ahead of Check the Chip Day
Lost pets continue to be a pressing issue in the United States, with alarming statistics showing that around 10 million pets go missing each year. According to experts, one in three pets will experience the heartbreak of being lost at least once during their lifetime. Tragically, many of these pets never find their way back home. In light of this challenge, PetPlace is taking proactive measures by supporting Check the Chip Day, which falls on August 15. This national event aims to raise awareness about the crucial role of microchipping in ensuring lost pets are reunited with their families.
Dr. Rhiannon Koehler, a veterinary expert at PetPlace, emphasizes the effectiveness of microchips in recovering lost pets. Studies indicate that microchipped pets, especially dogs, are significantly more likely to be returned to their owners compared to those without a microchip. Specifically, lost dogs are over twice as likely to find their way home if they are microchipped; over one-third of missing microchipped cats are also successfully reunited with their families, contrasting sharply with the less than 2 percent recovery rate for unchipped cats.
However, it's critical to note that microchips can only fulfill their purpose if they are properly registered. PetPlace’s Paws for Safety Awareness campaign highlights this very issue. Sam Watson, the president of PetPlace, sheds light on the concept of 'digital strays' — pets that are microchipped yet lack proper registration with their owners' contact information. He underscores that while a physical microchip may exist, it becomes ineffective without proper registration.
To help pet parents navigate the process, Dr. Koehler shares essential tips for microchipping pets:
1. Use a Licensed Veterinarian: Always have your pet's microchip implanted by a qualified veterinarian or reputable microchip service provider. This ensures correct placement and a sterile procedure.
2. Check for ISO Compliance: Ensure your microchip is ISO-compliant and can be read by universal scanners; confirm this with your provider.
3. Maintain Records: Keep your microchip number in an easily accessible safe place, both in physical form and digitally, for quick retrieval.
4. Choose Reputable Registries: Register with reliable microchip registries that can link your information to your pet’s chip, offer secure data storage, and provide lost pet services.
5. Include Multiple Contacts: When registering, include alternate contacts to reach if you become unreachable.
6. Regular Updates: Remember to update your microchip information when your contact details change, such as moving or getting a new phone number.
7. Annual Scans: Request your veterinarian to scan your pet's microchip during annual check-ups to verify its functionality, as there are rare cases of malfunctioning microchips.
8. Add a Physical ID Tag: Consider an additional ID tag on your pet's collar as a backup in case the microchip fails.
9. Immediate Reporting: If your pet gets lost, report the situation to your microchip registry and local shelters immediately.
PetPlace encourages pet parents to register their microchips on their platform and connect with 24PetWatch, the largest microchip registry in North America. With a proven track record of reuniting over 760,000 pets with their owners, this service offers hope and reassurance.
Sam Watson poignantly notes, 'Losing a pet can be one of the most harrowing experiences for any pet parent, but the joy of being reunited is profound. Microchipping and registering that microchip provide peace of mind and necessary safeguards.'
In conclusion, the safety of pets largely depends on responsible pet ownership, which includes the crucial step of microchipping and ensuring proper registration. As Check the Chip Day approaches, it’s an opportune moment for pet owners to reflect on the safety measures they have in place for their furry family members. PetPlace is dedicated to supporting pet wellness, from microchipping to offering educational resources, all aimed at fostering a happy and secure environment for pets and their owners alike.
Dr. Rhiannon Koehler, a veterinary expert at PetPlace, emphasizes the effectiveness of microchips in recovering lost pets. Studies indicate that microchipped pets, especially dogs, are significantly more likely to be returned to their owners compared to those without a microchip. Specifically, lost dogs are over twice as likely to find their way home if they are microchipped; over one-third of missing microchipped cats are also successfully reunited with their families, contrasting sharply with the less than 2 percent recovery rate for unchipped cats.
The Importance of Microchip Registration
However, it's critical to note that microchips can only fulfill their purpose if they are properly registered. PetPlace’s Paws for Safety Awareness campaign highlights this very issue. Sam Watson, the president of PetPlace, sheds light on the concept of 'digital strays' — pets that are microchipped yet lack proper registration with their owners' contact information. He underscores that while a physical microchip may exist, it becomes ineffective without proper registration.
To help pet parents navigate the process, Dr. Koehler shares essential tips for microchipping pets:
1. Use a Licensed Veterinarian: Always have your pet's microchip implanted by a qualified veterinarian or reputable microchip service provider. This ensures correct placement and a sterile procedure.
2. Check for ISO Compliance: Ensure your microchip is ISO-compliant and can be read by universal scanners; confirm this with your provider.
3. Maintain Records: Keep your microchip number in an easily accessible safe place, both in physical form and digitally, for quick retrieval.
4. Choose Reputable Registries: Register with reliable microchip registries that can link your information to your pet’s chip, offer secure data storage, and provide lost pet services.
5. Include Multiple Contacts: When registering, include alternate contacts to reach if you become unreachable.
6. Regular Updates: Remember to update your microchip information when your contact details change, such as moving or getting a new phone number.
7. Annual Scans: Request your veterinarian to scan your pet's microchip during annual check-ups to verify its functionality, as there are rare cases of malfunctioning microchips.
8. Add a Physical ID Tag: Consider an additional ID tag on your pet's collar as a backup in case the microchip fails.
9. Immediate Reporting: If your pet gets lost, report the situation to your microchip registry and local shelters immediately.
PetPlace encourages pet parents to register their microchips on their platform and connect with 24PetWatch, the largest microchip registry in North America. With a proven track record of reuniting over 760,000 pets with their owners, this service offers hope and reassurance.
Sam Watson poignantly notes, 'Losing a pet can be one of the most harrowing experiences for any pet parent, but the joy of being reunited is profound. Microchipping and registering that microchip provide peace of mind and necessary safeguards.'
Conclusion
In conclusion, the safety of pets largely depends on responsible pet ownership, which includes the crucial step of microchipping and ensuring proper registration. As Check the Chip Day approaches, it’s an opportune moment for pet owners to reflect on the safety measures they have in place for their furry family members. PetPlace is dedicated to supporting pet wellness, from microchipping to offering educational resources, all aimed at fostering a happy and secure environment for pets and their owners alike.
Topics Consumer Products & Retail）
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