1129 S Hamilton Rd

Columbus, OH 43227 US

(614) 239-0027

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Microchipping FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about Microchipping Pets Answered by Our Columbus Veterinarians at Hamilton Road Animal Hospital

Our Columbus Animal Hospital veterinarians consider microchipping to be very important to the well-being of dogs and cats. Just like toddlers, our pets can wander off and get lost in just a matter of minutes. Dogs may break free from their leash if something grabs their attention and run away before you can catch them. Being instinctual predators, cats will chase mice, moles, squirrels and other rodents without caring where the chase takes them. Unfortunately, they might not be able to find their way back home.

Microchipping can quickly bring lost dogs and cats back to the welcoming arms of worried owners. Columbus area shelters and veterinary offices have equipment necessary to scan lost pets for microchips containing a unique ID number to help access the pets ID information. In fact, when your pet is microchipped, he is never really "lost" -- just temporarily separated from you!

dog playing outside in Columbus, OH

Is it Safe to Implant a Microchip in My Pet?

Microchips (transponders) for pets are no bigger than a grain of rice and do not contain batteries. Inserted under your pet's skin with a hypodermic needle, microchips are made of biocompatible materials that are immediately accepted by your pet's body. No anesthesia or surgery is needed during a microchipping procedure.

Once underneath your pet’s skin, microchips become anchored permanently as connective tissue naturally grows around it. Microchips will never pass out of or through your pet's body.

At What Age can Dogs and Cats Receive a Microchip?

Microchips can be safely implanted when your pet is seven to eight weeks old.

Where are Microchips Implanted?

Cats and dogs receive microchips under the skin between their shoulder blades.

How Do Microchips Work?

Your pet's microchip contains a unique ID number.  When a veterinarian or animal control professional finds a lost pet, they simply pass a handheld scanner over the back of the animal to locate the microchip. Radio waves transmitted by the scanner activate the microchip's internal mechanism containing your pet's ID number. The number is then displayed on the scanner's screen and matched to a databank containing thousands of other ID numbers for dogs and cats.

Microchip databases can be accessed via telephone or online and are available 24/7.

Is the Microchip Like a GPS Tracking Device?

No, you can't track microchipped pets when they stray from home. Only someone with a scanner designed to activate microchips can obtain your pet's ID number.

How Long Do Microchips Continue Providing ID Information?

Microchips are designed to transmit radio waves to scanners for up to 20 years (usually the life of a pet).  Since they do not have any moving parts, batteries or other power supply, pet microchips require no maintenance.

Does Microchipping Eliminate the Need for Rabies and ID Tags?

Although microchips can dramatically increase the chances of lost pets being reunited with owners, they should not be considered replacements for collars with ID tags. ID tags engraved with the pet's name and contact phone number can be read immediately by anyone finding the pet. Microchipping further safeguards against pets losing their collars and ID tags when they are separated from their owners. 

Do Microchips Require Any Maintenance?

Pet owners need to do three things to ensure they and their pets receive the full benefits of microchips: make sure that your pets microchip number is registered with the appropriate database, keep ID information up-to-date and have their Columbus veterinarians scan the microchip annually to determine functionality.

Our Veterinary Hospital's Microchipping Services are Available for the Surrounding Areas of Columbus, Whitehall, Bexley, Reynoldsburg, Gahanna, Pickerington, and Groveport, OH

Hamilton Road Animal Hospital in Columbus, OH recommends microchipping all dogs and cats, since you can never predict when your pet may become lost. Please call our veterinary hospital today at (614) 239-0027 to schedule an appointment. In addition to Columbus pet owners, we also serve Whitehall, Bexley, Reynoldsburg, Gahanna, Pickerington and Groveport area pet owners.

Questions?

Call us or fill out the form and we will get right back to you!


Over 34 Years of Service

      

Columbus, Whitehall, Bexley, Reynoldsburg, Gahanna and Pickerington.

Office Hours

Monday:

8:00 am-7:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-7:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-12:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-7:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-7:00 pm

Saturday:

9:00 am-1:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

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