Fayetteville, Arkansas has a new pet microchip law going into effect at the beginning of 2012. Fayetteville pet owners will no longer have to pay a yearly $5 pet license fee. They will, however, be required to have their pets microchipped.
Pet microchips are becoming considerably more prominent around the globe. Yet along with it’s acceptance comes an increase in the debate over microchipping pets. Many cities in the U.S. such as Fayetteville, AR are passing laws to mandate them, yet some pet owners might like to see them outlawed. Here are some pros and cons on placing a microchip in your pet.
Exactly what is a microchip?
A pet microchip consists of a very small tube about the dimension of a small grain of rice that is actually inserted under the skin. For consistency, it is practically always positioned on the left side near shoulder height. The procedure is surprisingly swift, economical, and pain-free. It contains a number in it that will help in identifying the pet owner’s name and location. The database additionally includes other pertinent details, such as the dog or cat’s health and wellness, health complications and more. For instance, if your lost diabetic pet got picked up, her disorder could be treated. All veteranarian offices as well as animal shelters are supposed to have a reading device for the microchip so pets can more easily be identified.
Why must I ‘chip’ my dog or cat?
Whether you live in a city like Fayetteville, where it is now or will soon be required by law or not, having your pets microchipped is a good idea. All it takes to lose a pet is a brief distraction, an overexcited youngster, or an unaware in-home worker, and your pet can be gone in a flash. Unfortunately, the sad thing is, that once a pet is lost the probabilities are likely it will not be found. According to the American Humane Association, merely 17% of lost dogs and only 2% of lost cats ever find their way back to their owners. Practically 20 million lost pets are euthanized every year because their owners are unable to find them.
Are there reasons why I should not microchip our pet?
Possibly the most often mentioned objection is the cost an average of $25 to $45 per pet. Aside from that, the chip is implanted by an injection, and requires no anesthesia. Since the microchip is actually sealed in a sterile capsule, there is extremely little possibility for infection or rejection. Finally, since the chip requires no power it never requires replacing.
Which provider should I obtain my microchip from?
Your local, Fayetteville veterinarian will most likely select one. However, you should understand exactly what chip they’re installing as well as how it affects your pet’s safety. Animal Medical Clinic in Fayetteville, Arkansas uses Home Again 125 kHz microchips can easily be scanned by all scanners presently in US pet shelters and are entered into a National Registry. To date, these brand names of microchips have been placed in over 8 million pets in the United States. The difference between what Animal Medical Clinic offers and what is being offered by the City of Fayetteville is that Animal Medical Clinic inserts the chip then registers it with HomeAgain. Our price includes the chip, injection and registration. Most shelters do not register your pet which runs about $18. It is important to be registered, we have seen many unregistered animals that had the microchip but could not be matched with owners.
What’s the bottom line?
Unless you have a “big brother” complex, there is little reason not to microchip your pet. You never know when a pet might escape the confines of your home, yard or vehicle and get lost. One lady in Fayetteville reported her animals were all turned loose by intruders who burglarized her home while she was gone. Fortunately, she was called by the local animal shelter and reunited because she had microchips in every one of them.
Call Animal Medical Clinic at 479-536-5220 in Fayetteville for more information about getting your pet microchipped. We believe that microchips provide your pet with a safe permanent ID.
