So you know the importance of having a pet with proper identification and that might include a microchip, but how do you know that it is working properly? August 15^th is National Check the Chip Day. AVMA and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) joined together to create “Check the Chip Day.”

National Check the Chip Day was created to encourage pet owners to check their pet’s microchip information annually and keep it up-to-date. By doing this yearly, you increase your pet’s chances of returning home if lost!

AVMA recommends that you do the following:

1. Make an appointment with your veterinarian for microchipping if your pet isn’t already microchipped (then make sure that your pet’s chip is immediately registered).
2. Check your already-microchipped pet’s registration information in the microchip manufacturer’s database, and make sure it’s up-to-date.

Over 10 million pets are lost each year. One out of three pets is lost during its lifetime and one in ten family pets are found.* That’s a pretty scary statistic. There are many ways to help avoid this happening to your pet. Getting them microchipped is just one of them.

Other pet loss prevention tips Include:

1. Always put a collar on your dog or cat with proper identification affixed.
2. Use a GPS tracker.
3. Make sure the home is a safe place for them.
4. Be aware of your pet’s whereabouts at all times.
5. Keep your screen doors on and/or windows closed.
6. Triple check your surroundings and tools regularly.
7. Always use a leash outside of the home. Even if you have a dog that’s not prone to run off, you never know what can happen.

Why should you microchip you pet? 

1. It can help prevent a heartbreaking loss.
2. It doesn’t hurt like you think it might.
3. It could help save their life.
4. You’ll feel more at ease.
5. It could help your pet find their way home.

¹ According to WebMD, http://pets.webmd.com/features/microchipping-your-dog-or-cat#1

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