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Losing your dog is every pet parent's worst nightmare. Unfortunately, even with the most attentive care, dogs can still go missing. To give your canine companion the best chance of being safely returned, we highly recommend microchipping. At Arlington Animal Clinic, we offer dog microchipping services for pets in Jacksonville, FL, and strongly advocate for this added layer of protection. We've provided answers to some of the most common questions about dog microchipping below.
Microchipping is a simple process where we implant a tiny microchip, about the size of a grain of rice, just beneath your dog's skin, usually in the neck or shoulder area. At Arlington Animal Clinic, this quick procedure allows your dog to always be identified, no matter the situation.
It's a common misconception, but microchips don't have GPS capabilities. The microchip contains a unique 16-digit number linked to your contact information, but it can't track your dog's location. Instead, if your dog is found, a scanner will read the microchip, and the unique number will help reunite you with your pet.
While a microchip can't reveal your pet's exact location, it plays a crucial role in recovering lost pets. If your dog is found and brought to a veterinary clinic, animal shelter, or humane society, the microchip can be scanned to retrieve your contact information. As long as your details are up to date in the microchip database, you'll be contacted as soon as possible.
Microchipping is a quick procedure, similar to a vaccination. Your dog may feel a slight pinch, but the discomfort is minimal and short-lived. At Arlington Animal Clinic, we can also offer a local anesthetic to ease any discomfort, or we can perform the procedure during your pet's spay or neuter surgery when they're already under anesthesia!
Collars and tags can easily be lost or removed, but a microchip is a permanent form of identification that stays with your pet for life. This is particularly important if you plan to travel internationally with your dog, as a microchip is often required for health certificates. At Arlington Animal Clinic, we recommend microchipping as an extra layer of security for your pet's safety.
Microchip scanners are widely available at most veterinary clinics, animal shelters, and adoption agencies. At Arlington Animal Clinic, we have the tools to quickly identify your pet's microchip number, making it easier to reunite lost pets with their owners.
If your dog is lost and found by someone, they'll likely be taken to a veterinary clinic, shelter, or animal control. There, the microchip will be scanned, and the unique number will be used to access your contact information from the microchip database. As long as your information is up to date, you'll be contacted to bring your pet back home safely.
Microchipping is the most reliable way to ensure your dog can be identified and returned to you if lost. Unlike collars or tags that can be removed, a microchip stays with your pet for life. Even in cases of theft, the microchip provides a fail-safe way to prove ownership and recover your pet.
If you lose track of your dog's microchip information, don't worry. You can contact the microchip company, such as PetLink, to retrieve your details. Alternatively, bring your dog to Arlington Animal Clinic, where we can scan the microchip and provide you with the number. We also keep a record of your pet's microchip number in our system, so we're here to help you every step of the way.
If you live in or near Jacksonville, FL, and are looking for quality pet care, come visit us at Arlington Animal Clinic where your pet is our priority. Contact us at (904) 743-4567 to set an appointment, or email us at reception@arlingtonanimal.com. Our staff would love to talk with you!
