Microchipping a Pet - So a Lost Pet Can Find Their Way Home

Every pet owner's biggest fear is the thought of their pet running away... never to be found again. This is especially scary if your pet doesn't always wear their collar with an ID tag. However, it's possible to put this fear to rest with microchipping a pet! A microchip is a tiny computer chip that is implanted by an injection similar to a vaccine needle under the skin of your pet. The chip is made of biocompatible material that will not rust or cause an allergic reaction. It is completely safe and will not hurt your pet when it is inserted. The procedure is always done by a veterinarian.

All kinds of animals can be microchipped, including dogs, cats, birds, reptiles and horses. Each chip has a unique code that can be traced with a scanner. Your pet will most likely be connected to you in no time after the code has been scanned. Most veterinarians and shelters have these scanners, making it more convenient for you to locate your pet.

If you are adopting a pet from a shelter, chances are that the animal has been micro chipped. You will have to contact the company that made the microchip and register your new pet in their data base.

The only real downfall to microchips is that they cost a bit of money, most costing between $30 and $45, however, there may be additional costs depending on the company. It's possible to cut the cost if your pet is enrolled in a pet health insurance plan. Another downfall is that each microchip manufacturer maintains its own database. So if you register your pet with one manufacturer, but your veterinarian is registered with another, it may take a little longer to locate your pet. However, all scanners display the name of the microchip's manufacturer, making it easier to identify the animal.

Just because you get your pet microchipped doesn't mean they are completely protected from ever becoming lost though. You should always:

• Make sure he/she wears a collar with identification tags.

• Be aware of your surroundings and new environments.

• Make sure gates are closed and fences cannot be jumped over or... dug under.

Microchipping a pet is the most effective way to locate a lost pet. But as they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so make sure to take the necessary steps to keep your pet safe!

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Pet Proof Your New Home

Before bringing your pet into the new space of your new home, take several steps to ensure your safe haven is indeed safe enough. Pets will naturally investigate the world they find themselves in. Of course, this cannot and should not be discouraged. But consider the hazards your pets may encounter in your new home. Take the following measures to minimize any potential danger encountered in your pet's daily travels about the new house.

- Barriers should be put up to keep pets out of areas where they are not welcome.

- Children in your family should also understand the importance of locking or closing these gates and barriers.

-Keep in mind that most intentional destruction by pets stems from a lack of exercise or mental stimulation. Have a plethora of play/chew toys available for dogs and consider a scratching post for the energetic cats.

-Establish routine with consistency in your new home. You may be busy setting up, but there will be long term payoff for consistent walks with the dog.

- Chemical Substances should be kept in a safe location .This includes all chemical substances. Although some are lethal, most can cause serious upset or intestinal complications.

- Know what plants are poisonous to pets and ensure they are out of reach.

- Put away pill bottles and pill organizers. A dog can easily chew open these containers- childproof or not!

- Check fences and hedges to see if your pet might be able to escape. Never underestimate a dogs ability to dig and a cat's capacity to slide through anything.

- Dogs like to be able to look out and see what is going on. Try to keep items, especially fragile ones, away from windows.

- Tame cord clutter by hiding cords under baseboards and carpet seams whenever possible. A pet can suffer burns or electrocution from chewing on live cords. You can also use cords covers to mitigate possible danger.

-All things "stringy", including string, yarn, dental floss and rubber bands can cause intestinal blockages or strangulation. Keep these items out of reach. Do a vacuum or floor scan of your new home before welcoming your pet/s.

A rule of thumb to follow: treat pet proofing much the same as you would approach baby proofing your home. No detail is too small to be overlooked. Take all the care in the world setting up pet safety in your new home, and you will have safe, happy and healthy pets as a result.

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