Every pet parent’s worst nightmare is a lost dog or cat. Whether it’s a door left ajar, a slipped leash, or a loud noise that sends your pet running, accidents can happen in an instant. Fortunately, microchipping is a simple, safe, and highly effective way to dramatically increase the chances of being reunited with your beloved pet. At Tipp City Veterinary Hospital, we strongly recommend chipping as a lifelong form of identification that can truly save your pet’s life.
What Is a Microchip?
A pet microchip is a tiny device—about the size of a grain of rice—that is implanted just beneath your pet’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades. Each chip contains a unique identification number that can be read with a handheld scanner. This number is linked to your contact information in a national pet recovery database.
Unlike collars and ID tags, which can fall off or break, a chip provides permanent identification that stays with your pet for life.
Why Microchipping Matters
Pets Can Get Lost—Even the Best‑Behaved Ones
You might think, “My pet would never run away,” but even indoor pets can escape unexpectedly. Fireworks, storms, visitors, or unfamiliar situations can cause pets to panic and flee. Microchipping provides a reliable safety net when the unexpected happens.
Microchips Greatly Improve Return‑to‑Owner Rates
Studies consistently show that microchipped pets are far more likely to be reunited with their families. Dogs with chips are more than twice as likely to be returned home, and microchipped cats are many times more likely to find their way back to their owners than cats without one.
Shelters and Clinics Routinely Scan for Microchips
Animal shelters, veterinary clinics, and animal control officers routinely scan found pets for chips. When your pet is brought in, a quick scan can immediately identify them and provide the contact information needed to bring them home safely—often within hours.
How Microchipping Can Save Your Pet’s Life
When pets aren’t identified, they may face extended shelter stays, rehoming, or, in worst‑case scenarios, euthanasia due to overcrowding. A microchip gives your pet a voice when they can’t speak for themselves, helping ensure they aren’t mistaken as stray or abandoned.
For injured pets, a chip can also help veterinary professionals quickly contact you to make timely medical decisions. In emergency situations, those minutes matter.
Is It Safe?
Yes—microchipping is very safe and widely used. The procedure is quick, similar to a routine vaccination, and does not require anesthesia. Most pets experience little to no discomfort, and complications are extremely rare.
Microchips do not contain GPS tracking and do not transmit information. They only work when scanned, making them completely passive and safe for everyday life.
Keeping Your Information Up to Date
A microchip is only effective if your contact information is current. If you move, change phone numbers, or update your email, it’s important to update your chip registration as well. Our team at Tipp City Veterinary Hospital is always happy to help you check or update your pet’s microchip information.
Microchipping at Tipp City Veterinary Hospital
At Tipp City Veterinary Hospital, we believe microchipping is an essential part of responsible pet ownership. Whether you’re welcoming a new puppy or kitten, adopting a rescue pet, or ensuring your current pet is properly protected, our compassionate veterinary team is here to help.
If you’re unsure whether your pet is microchipped—or if you’d like to schedule an appointment—contact Tipp City Veterinary Hospital today. This simple step can make all the difference and help ensure your pet always finds their way back home.
Your pet is family. Microchipping helps keep them safe for a lifetime.
