At Bell Parkway Veterinary Hospital in Surprise, keeping your pet safe is just as important as keeping them healthy. Microchipping is one of the most effective ways to ensure your pet can be identified and returned to you if they ever get lost. While many pet owners know they should microchip their pets, fewer understand what actually happens during the appointment.
If you are planning to microchip your dog or cat, here is a full breakdown of what to expect, along with answers to the most common questions.
What Is a Pet Microchip?
A pet microchip is a tiny electronic identification device that is implanted just under your pet’s skin. About the size of a grain of rice, each microchip contains a unique identification number that is linked to your contact information in a secure database.
Microchips do not track your pet’s location and do not function like GPS devices. Instead, they act as a permanent ID. When a lost pet is brought to a veterinary clinic, shelter, or rescue, staff can use a scanner to detect the microchip and retrieve the identification number. This number is then used to access your contact details and help reunite you with your pet.
In a growing city like Surprise, where neighborhoods continue to expand and pets are often part of active households, microchipping provides an added layer of protection that collars and tags alone cannot guarantee.
What Happens During a Microchipping Appointment?
Microchipping is a quick and routine procedure that can often be completed during a standard visit. At Bell Parkway Veterinary Hospital, the process is designed to be efficient and low stress for both pets and their owners.
Brief Health Assessment
Your appointment will typically begin with a quick physical exam to ensure your pet is healthy and ready for the procedure. This is also a good time to ask questions.
Preparing the Microchip
Each microchip comes preloaded in a sterile, single use applicator. The chip is ready to be implanted safely and quickly.
Implanting the Microchip
The microchip is placed just beneath the skin, most commonly between the shoulder blades. The process is similar to giving a vaccine. A specialized needle is used to insert the chip in just a few seconds.
Confirming Placement
After the chip is placed, it is scanned immediately to confirm it is working properly and that the ID number can be read clearly.
The entire process usually takes only a few minutes and does not require anesthesia.
Does Microchipping Hurt My Pet?
This is one of the most common concerns pet owners have. The procedure is very well tolerated by most pets.
The sensation is similar to a routine vaccination. Your pet may feel a brief pinch during insertion, but the discomfort is minimal and short lived. Many pets show little to no reaction at all.
At Bell Parkway Veterinary Hospital, we use calm handling techniques to help reduce stress and keep your pet comfortable during the appointment.
What Happens After the Microchip Is Implanted?
Once the microchip has been placed, there are a few important steps to complete.
Registering the Microchip
The microchip itself only contains an identification number. Your contact information must be linked to that number through a registration process. Without registration, the microchip cannot help reunite you with your pet.
You will receive instructions on how to register, and our team can help guide you through the process if needed.
Receiving Your Pet’s Microchip Information
You will be provided with your pet’s microchip number and any relevant documentation. It is important to keep this information for your records.
Routine Checks at Future Visits
During regular veterinary appointments, your pet’s microchip can be scanned to ensure it is still functioning properly. This quick check helps confirm everything remains in place.
Do I Need to Do Anything After My Pet Is Microchipped?
Yes. While the procedure itself is simple, there are a few important responsibilities to keep in mind.
Register the Microchip Right Away
This is the most important step. If the chip is not registered, it cannot be used to contact you.
Keep Your Contact Information Updated
If your phone number, address, or email changes, be sure to update your pet’s microchip profile. Accurate information is essential.
Monitor the Implant Area
In most cases, no special care is needed. You can check the area briefly for any swelling or irritation, although this is uncommon.
Continue Using a Collar and ID Tag
Microchipping should be used along with visible identification, not as a replacement. Tags allow for quicker contact if your pet is found nearby.
Why Microchipping Matters in Surprise
Surprise is a fast growing community with new neighborhoods, parks, and open spaces. While this makes it a great place for pets, it also increases the chances of pets wandering or getting lost.
Even well trained pets can slip out through an open door or become startled by loud noises. Microchipping provides a reliable backup in these situations.
Pets with microchips are significantly more likely to be reunited with their owners compared to those without. It is one of the most effective ways to ensure your pet has a safe path home if they ever go missing.
A Quick Visit That Provides Lifelong Protection
Microchipping is a simple procedure that delivers long term peace of mind. In just a few minutes, you can give your pet a permanent form of identification that stays with them for life.
At Bell Parkway Veterinary Hospital in Surprise, our team is committed to making every visit comfortable, informative, and efficient. We are here to answer your questions, guide you through the process, and ensure your pet receives the highest level of care.
If your pet has not been microchipped yet, now is the perfect time to take that step. Contact Bell Parkway Veterinary Hospital today to schedule your appointment and give your pet an added layer of protection that lasts a lifetime.
