THE TINY LITTLE CHIP THAT MAKES A HUGE DIFFERENCE

No two ways about it, losing a pet is horrible. But with microchipping, there’s a simple and reliable way to help get them back. It’s one of the most important things you can do for your dog or cat. After all, no matter how careful you are with a leash or how rarely your kitty goes outside, things happen.

 Aptly named for its grain-of-rice size, the microchip is implanted under the skin between the shoulder blades on the back of your pet’s neck. It’s so quick and easy that most pets (if they could talk) would say it feels no worse than a shot.

 Every chip comes with a unique number attached to your pet. This number is stored in a universal registry and tied to your contact information. If your pet does get lost, and is brought back to a vet or local shelter, the first thing they’ll do is scan for a microchip. Your contact info will come up instantly and they’ll call you so you can have a reunion complete with hugs, thank yous, and ugly crying—it’ll be beautiful.

So it’s a no-brainer — definitely get your pet microchipped. And remember, if you move, be sure to update your contact info in the registry. It’s also a good idea to ask your vet to do a test scan of your pet’s microchip during your usual visits, just to make sure it’s working. The good news is, most microchips last for more than 20 years.