Every pet owner’s worst nightmare is opening the front door and realising their beloved dog or cat has disappeared.
Whether it’s a gate left open, a frightened pet escaping during a thunderstorm, or an adventurous cat wandering further than usual, thousands of pets go missing every year.
The good news is that one tiny microchip can dramatically increase the chances of a happy reunion.
July is Lost Pet Prevention Month, making it the perfect time to ask yourself one important question:
If your pet went missing today, could they find their way back to you?
A Collar Isn’t Enough
Many owners rely on collars and identification tags.
While these are important, collars can break, fall off or be deliberately removed.
A microchip is permanent.
About the size of a grain of rice, it is inserted just beneath the skin between the shoulder blades in a quick procedure that is no more uncomfortable than a routine vaccination.
Once implanted, the microchip remains with your pet for life.
Unlike GPS trackers, a microchip does not track your pet’s location. Instead, it carries a unique identification number that can be read with a scanner at veterinary practices, animal shelters and welfare organisations.
That number links your pet to your contact information on a secure database.
A Microchip Is Only as Good as the Information Behind It
One of the biggest misconceptions is that once a pet has been microchipped, nothing more needs to be done.
Unfortunately, we regularly scan lost pets that are microchipped but cannot be reunited with their families because the owner’s details are no longer correct.
Have you:
- Changed your cellphone number?
- Moved house?
- Changed your email address?
- Given your pet to another family member?
- Adopted a pet that was already microchipped?
If so, your microchip records may need updating.
An outdated database can make finding an owner almost impossible.
Which Pets Should Be Microchipped?
The simple answer is all of them.
Every dog and every cat should have a microchip, regardless of whether they live indoors or outdoors.
Indoor pets can escape through an open door, slip out during renovations or be frightened by fireworks and thunderstorms.
Cats are particularly skilled at finding unexpected escape routes, while even the most obedient dogs can become disorientated if startled.
No pet is completely immune to getting lost.
Not only is microchipping quick and relatively painless. It is also cost effective. For a once off fee of less than R200 we can help prevent your pet from getting lost permanently.
When Should Pets Be Microchipped?
Many puppies and kittens are microchipped before going to their new homes.
If your pet has not yet been microchipped, it can be done at almost any age.
The procedure is quick, safe and does not require anaesthesia.
Your veterinarian can also scan your pet during a routine visit to confirm that the chip is still functioning correctly and verify the registration details.
What Should You Do If Your Pet Goes Missing?
Act quickly.
If your pet disappears:
- Contact your local veterinary practices.
- Notify nearby animal shelters and welfare organisations.
- Report your pet missing on local community and social media groups.
- Contact your microchip database to report your pet as missing.
- Continue searching the surrounding area regularly.
If your pet is found and brought to a veterinary clinic, one of the first things we do is scan for a microchip.
A functioning chip with up-to-date information can turn a frightening experience into a happy reunion.
Prevention Is Better Than Panic
While accidents happen, there are simple steps every owner can take to reduce the risk of losing a pet.
These include:
- Keeping gates and fences secure.
- Ensuring collars fit correctly.
- Using leads in unfamiliar environments.
- Providing identification tags.
- Microchipping every pet.
- Keeping your microchip details up to date.
These small steps can make a life-changing difference.
Take Five Minutes This Month
Lost Pet Prevention Month is the perfect reminder to check something many owners forget.
Do you know which database your pet’s microchip is registered with?
Are your contact details still correct?
If you’re not sure, don’t worry.
At Cottage Vet Clinic, we’re happy to scan your pet’s microchip, confirm that it is working correctly and help you check or update your registration details where possible. It is not necessary to make an appointment to check your pet’s microchip. Just pop in and we can check that their chip is working that that the database is up to date.
A quick visit could one day help bring your best friend home.
