Many pet owners wanting the very best for their pets often look to get them microchipped. When done properly, this can make sure your pet makes it home safe if they ever manage to get out. However, not everyone goes about microchipping their pet the right way, and this can leave those microchips useless and even harmful to your pet. If you’ve been considering using a pet microchip to help keep your pet safe, avoid these common mistakes to keep your pet happy and healthy.

Mistake 1: Skipping on A Microchip

The first, and most obvious, mistake that pet owners make when it comes to microchipping their pet is not having them chipped at all. Countless dogs, cats, and other animals go missing on a daily basis. And, unfortunately, only a small percentage of those pets are found. Having a pet microchip can increase the chances of finding a lost pet and getting them home to you and your family safe.

Mistake 2: Not Having It Implanted by A Veterinarian

Believe it or not, it’s entirely legal and possible to have a pet microchip implanted by someone other than a veterinarian. While it isn’t required, it’s highly recommended to have your pet’s microchip implanted by a veterinarian, at a pet hospital, or through other animal health services. This can ensure the chip is implanted as safely and quickly.

Mistake 3: Choosing the Wrong Microchip Brand

Not all pet microchips are created equal. While most can be picked up and read using a universal scanner, there are some types of microchips that can’t be read by an average scanner. This means that if your pet gets found and is taken to an emergency animal hospital or shelter, it’s possible that these chips won’t get properly scanned, and you won’t be notified. Ask at your local animal hospital to see what microchip brands are most common in your area; these brands will be more likely to be useful if the need ever arises.

Mistake 4: Not Microchipping Cats

While many dogs get microchipped on a regular basis, fewer cats receive this service. It’s important to remember that just about any mammal can receive a microchip, and that includes cats. 38,900,000 households own cats, yet few are claimed when they go missing due to a lack of identification. Keeping your cats microchipped, especially if they tend to wander outside, can make sure they get home to you safely.

Mistake 5: Not Using Other Forms of Pet ID

Just because your pet has a microchip doesn’t mean they’re guaranteed to be returned to you safely. Not all shelters or emergency animal hospitals have scanners, and not every person who finds an escaped pet knows about pet microchip technology. Use pet tags and collars to help anyone who finds your pet ID them, even if they don’t know about microchips.

Keeping your pet microchipped can be essential to having them safely returned to you if they’re ever lost. If your pet is in need of a microchip, bring them to your local veterinarian or emergency animal hospital today to have one implanted. Avoid these common microchip mistakes to keep your pet happy, healthy, and safe with you and your family.

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