Microchipping FAQs

As a new pet parent, you may have questions about microchipping your cat or dog. Learning more about this process can eliminate any misconceptions you may have about this procedure. These FAQs from Fairlea Animal Hospital provide more information about the microchipping process so you can make a knowledgeable decision in this area. For your convenience, our animal hospital serves pet owners in Fairlea and Lewisburg, WV.

What is microchipping?

Microchipping refers to the process of inserting a tiny implant into your pet’s skin to help identify your pet if it gets lost. This implant contains an ID number that’s unique to your pet. This number needs to be registered in a pet database along with your contact information. Microchips can only be read with special scanners, which can be found in most veterinarian offices and animal shelters around the country. If your pet gets lost, it can be taken to a local vet or animal shelter to scan for a chip. The vet or animal shelter can then match your pet’s ID number to your contact info in the database and notify you that your pet has been found.

How are microchips implanted? Does the procedure hurt my pet?

Your veterinarian will implant the microchip under your pet’s skin, around its shoulder blade, using a hypodermic needle, similar to what’s used for vaccinations. The process is quick and virtually painless. There’s no need for anesthesia or preparation in advance. For greater convenience, many pet owners have the procedure done while their pets are under anesthesia for spay or neuter surgery.  

My pet has a collar and ID tag. Should I still microchip?

Unlike collars and tags that can be broken, torn off or chewed when a pet gets lost, microchips remain firmly in place to help identify your pet so it can find its way back home. Microchips don’t break or fall out, no matter how active your pet is, making them more reliable in the long run. 

 Does my indoor cat need a microchip?

We recommend that all pets be microchipped, even indoor cats. There’s always the risk of cats wandering out of an open window or door and getting lost. Microchipping is a preventive measure that can help reunite you and your pet if it ever gets lost.  

Should I see my vet near me to microchip my pet?

Your “vet near me” in Fairlea, WV, can microchip your pet at our animal hospital during a wellness exam or while your pet is under anesthesia for spay/neuter surgery. To learn more about pet microchipping, contact Fairlea Animal Hospital at (304) 645-3550. For your convenience, we offer quality pet care services to pet owners in Fairlea and Lewisburg, WV.