Should You Microchip Your Pet?
There are some astounding statistics worth giving some thought when considering whether or not to microchip your pet. Firstly, The American Humane Association estimates that over 10 million dogs and cats are lost or stolen in the U.S. every year. Secondly, one in three pets will become lost at some point in their life.
According to the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association:
- Only about 22 percent of lost dogs that entered the animal shelters were reunited with their families. However, the return-to-owner rate for microchipped dogs was over 52 percent (a 238 percent increase).
- Less than 2 percent of lost cats that entered the animal shelters were reunited with their families. The return-to-owner rate for microchipped cats was dramatically higher at over 38 percent (more than 2000 percent better).
- Only 58 percent of the microchipped animals’ microchips had been registered in a database with their pet parent’s contact information.
Depending on your vet, the average cost typically ranges between $25 - $50, which is a small price to pay for the protection and safety of your pet. The implant itself is as small as a grain of rice and may cause slightly more discomfort than a routine vaccination. It's easy, affordable and causes little to no pain in your pet to implement.
So if you're wondering if you should microchip your pet, the answer is simple: YES! Denver Pro Pet Sitting understands that you love your pets and want to keep them as safe as possible. That’s why we highly recommend the use of microchips!