PET CARE

Why your Pet Needs a Microchip

3 min read
May 04, 2023

Accidents do happen. Someone might leave the front door open. Our dog might dig under the white wooden fence in the back yard that was designed to keep her in. Or, she might rip her leash away from us because she just has to catch that squirrel.

There are many occasions where our dog can get lost.

To protect their pets, many dog and cat lovers are turning to microchips-  tiny piecse of technology implanted into our pets.

What is a Microchip?

The microchip is generally placed beneath the surface of your pet’s skin between his shoulder blades. It’s not an extensive process and it only takes a few minutes. And, there’s no anesthetic required.

How the Microchip Works

It’s not a GPS system, but if your pet is found, he or she can be taken to the veterinarian or local humane society to get scanned. Then, boom! All of your information will be available. It’s that simple.

Each microchip has its own unique identification code, and nearly every veterinarian, humane society, or shelter has the scanner.

When the scanner detects the chip, the identification number connects to dog to you and/or your family. Once your information is written down, your dog or cat can then be returned to you.

But, you can’t forget to keep your information up-to-date. It’s not hard to do and it only takes a few minutes. Just make sure the correct address and phone number is always provided. You can even add a photograph of your pet if you would like to.

If your pet has medical needs that need attended to, include those as well when you’re entering information.

Can the Microchip Get Lost in my Pet?

You don’t have to worry about the microchip getting lost in your dog or cat’s body. Microchips are designed to work for 25 years. 

The microchip may move slightly, but it won’t migrate far. The microchip should always be able to be found.

To keep your mind at ease, when you’re at your veterinarian’s office, you can ask him or her to scan your pet. Then, see what it shows.

Consider Pet Insurance

Looking for more ways to keep your pets safe?  Consider signing up for an active pet insurance policy

Protect your Pets

Enroll in 3 Easy Steps

Nothing in this article should be construed as financial, legal or veterinary advice. Please consult your own advisors for questions relating to your and your pet’s specific circumstances.

1 Pet Insurance offered by MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC is underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company (“IAIC”), a Delaware insurance company, headquartered at 485 Madison Avenue, NY, NY 10022, and Metropolitan General Insurance Company (“MetGen”), a Rhode Island insurance company, headquartered at 700 Quaker Lane, Warwick, RI 02886, in those states where MetGen’s policies are available. MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC is the policy administrator authorized by IAIC and MetGen to offer and administer pet insurance policies. MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC was previously known as PetFirst Healthcare, LLC and in some states continues to operate under that name pending approval of its application for a name change. The entity may operate under an alternate, assumed, and/or fictitious name in certain jurisdictions as approved, including MetLife Pet Insurance Services LLC (New York and Minnesota), MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions Agency LLC (Illinois), and such other alternate, assumed, or fictitious names approved by certain jurisdictions.