Did you know that 1 in 3 pets go missing? Microchipped dogs are more than TWICE as likely to be returned to their owners, and microchipped cats are more than TWENTY times as likely to be returned to their owners!
In 2021, THLN helped pass HB 604, which requires animal control agencies and animal welfare organizations to scan the pets they handle for microchips. If the animal is chipped, the registered owner is contacted so they can reclaim their pet as soon as possible. The Mandatory Microchip Scanning law is a win-win for pets and their families! Agencies and organizations in need of a microchip scanner may be eligible for a free scanner through a grant program. Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and Fort Worth already require microchipping and we hope this law brings other cities into compliance.
Microchips should not replace a tag and collar, but they can make a huge difference in getting your pet back home!
Microchipping your Animal, Life Hack:
Add your pet to your phone’s contacts! Add the Microchip Number and details in the contact information for easy access.
Key Reasons to Get Your Pets Microchipped
Permanent Identification
A microchip is a small electronic device, about the size of a grain of rice, that is implanted beneath your pet’s skin. It contains a unique identification number that can be linked to your contact information. Unlike collars or tags, which can fall off or be removed, a microchip provides a permanent form of identification for your pet!
Lost & Found
Pets can easily get lost or wander away, and without proper identification, it can be challenging to reunite them with their owners. Microchipping significantly increases the chances of a lost pet being identified and returned. Animal shelters, veterinary clinics, and rescue organizations have scanners that can detect microchips, allowing them to contact the registered owner and facilitate a reunion.
Prevention of Theft
Unfortunately, pet theft is a real concern. Some thieves may aim to sell or use stolen pets for breeding purposes. Microchipping acts as a deterrent because it establishes ownership and helps prove that a pet has been stolen if found in someone else’s possession. It also increases the likelihood of recovery if the stolen pet is scanned by authorities or veterinarians.
Legal Requirements
In certain areas, microchipping may be a legal requirement for pets. As of right now, there is no statewide requirement for microchipping pets in Texas. However, it’s important to note that local ordinances and regulations can vary between cities and counties. For example, the city of Dallas requires pets to be microchipped. All large or urban cities in Texas require microchips!
Health & Safety
Microchipping is a safe procedure that can be performed by a veterinarian. The process is relatively quick and causes minimal discomfort to the pet. Unlike collars or tags, which can sometimes pose choking hazards or cause injury, microchips are implanted beneath the skin and do not pose any risks to the pet’s health!
Peace of Mind
Having your pet microchipped provides peace of mind knowing that you have taken a proactive step to safeguard their identification. It offers reassurance that even if your pet loses its collar or tags, there is still a reliable method to identify them and contact you as their owner!
Does Microchipping Hurt My Pet?
Microchipping is a safe, quick, and painless procedure for pets. It involves a quick injection of a small microchip beneath the pet’s skin. The procedure is similar to a regular injection or a quick pinch! It is completed in seconds and is not much different from any other vaccine.
Make Sure Your Microchip is Up to Date!
Microchips significantly increase the chances that pets will be reunited with their families if lost or stolen, but a microchip only helps if its registration information is accurate! Only 6 in 10 microchips are registered, so take the time to ensure your information is up-to-date!
It is crucial to keep your contact information up to date in the microchip registry so that you can be easily reached if your pet is found. Additionally, combining microchipping with other identification methods such as collars and tags can provide an extra layer of protection for your beloved pet.
There are many affordable options to microchip your pet starting as low as $10-$15! Visit our friends at SPCA of Texas to find a clinic near you!
Links
- https://spca.org/resources/clinic/clinic-services/
- https://www.aspca.org/about-us/aspca-policy-and-position-statements/microchips
- https://spca.org/pet-tips/its-time-to-check-the-chip/
- https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/high-tech-identifying-lost-pets-microchips
- https://dallascityhall.com/departments/dallas-animal-services/Pages/Microchipping.aspx
- https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/dallas/latest/dallas_tx/0-0-0-101754
*Last Updated: July 2023
