Microchipping: A Simple Step That Can Bring Your Pet Home
Collars and ID tags are important, but they can break, slip off, or become hard to read over time. Microchipping gives your pet permanent, secure identification that can help connect them back to you if they ever become lost.
This quick, one-time procedure helps give your pet a way to be identified when they need it most and can greatly improve the chances of a safe return home.
What Is a Microchip?
A microchip is a very small device, about the size of a grain of rice, that is placed just beneath the skin, most often between the shoulder blades. Each chip carries a unique ID number connected to your contact details in a secure pet registry.
Important note: A microchip is not a GPS tracker. It will not provide your pet’s real-time location, but it does allow animal shelters and veterinary clinics to scan your pet and identify them if they are found.
How It Works
A veterinarian places the microchip under the skin using a quick injection that is nearly painless
The chip remains in place for life and does not need a battery or regular maintenance
When scanned, the microchip displays a unique number linked to your contact information
You register the chip with your current contact details, and our team can help walk you through the process
If your pet is brought to a shelter or veterinary office, they can be scanned and matched back to you
Why It Matters
1 in 3 pets will go missing during their lifetime
Only about 20% of dogs and 2% of cats without microchips are reunited with their families
With microchips, return-to-owner rates increase significantly, up to 38% for cats and over 50% for dogs
For pet owners in Allenstown, Pembroke, Suncook, and nearby NH communities, microchipping offers added peace of mind. If something unexpected happens, your pet has a dependable form of identification that can help bring them home.
When to Microchip
Microchipping can be performed at nearly any age. At Allenstown Animal Hospital, our veterinary team often recommends placing a microchip during spay/neuter surgery so it can be done during an already scheduled procedure. It can also be completed during a routine visit in just a few minutes.
We can also check your pet’s microchip during exams to confirm it is still in place and scanning properly.
Your pet relies on you for protection, and microchipping is one of the simplest ways to help keep them safe. It is fast, affordable, and could make a meaningful difference during a stressful moment. As part of the AmeriVet family, Allenstown Animal Hospital is proud to help local families take simple steps to protect the pets they love.
📍Want to check your pet’s registration? Contact Allenstown Animal Hospital in Allenstown, NH. We are happy to help.