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Pet Microchips

How Are Microchips Implanted?

The following is provided by our partner, HomeAgain.

Microchip implantation is an easy choice.

Microchip implantation is quick, simple, inexpensive, essentially painless, and virtually stress-free for pets and pet parents.

• Pet microchips are implanted by a veterinarian through a quick injection, like a routine vaccination.

• The site of implantation varies by animal.

- In the U.S, dogs and cats receive the injection along the dorsal midline, just between the shoulder blades.

- Horses are injected along the left side of the neck, about an inch below the mane and midway between the poll and the withers.

- Birds, which lack the bulk of most animals, receive the implant in their breast muscles.

• The animal-care professional should scan for existing microchips prior to implanting a new one—this step takes 10 to 30 seconds.

• No anesthetic is required. The pet's reaction will be consistent with that of a vaccination injection. The implant procedure is essentially painless.

• Your pet’s skin is desensitized by a simple pinch that pulls the skin upwards until taut.

The animal-care professional inserts the needle.

• A final pinch ensures the microchip stays in place as the needle is withdrawn.

• Your veterinarian or animal shelter personnel can help you complete the microchip registration forms immediately following implantation.

• You and your pet go home and relax together. Avoid rigorous exercise or activity with your pet for 24 hours, in order to give the anti-migration coating on the microchip a chance to bond to your pet's skin, so the microchip remains where it was implanted.

Voila! Your pet is now ID’d for life.

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