When a hurricane rolls into town, it reminds us of many things we should have done but put off for one reason or another, like photographing or creating a video of personal property for insurance purposes or finally meeting with an estate attorney to create a will, so relatives don’t have to struggle through a prolonged probate process.

Something else we tend to put off is either getting our pets microchipped or updating the information saved to an existing microchip, should there be a change in contact information. I was guilty of this myself. We rescued our Golden Lab, Max, in Charlotte, NC. This is where he was also microchipped as a six-month-old pup. We have relocated to two different states since then, and it wasn’t until we moved to Port Orange that I finally contacted the microchip company and updated the contact information. Before updating, if Max was lost and someone had found him or brought him to Halifax Humane Society, the chip would have had incorrect information, and our chance of reuniting with him would have been greatly diminished.

A microchip is only as good as the information that is stored inside of it. The next time you take your dog or cat to your veterinarian, ask them to scan the chip to verify the information is still accurate. As well, the scan will verify that the chip is still working. Chips are designed to last up to 20-years. However, like any technology, there are exceptions. A scan doesn’t hurt your pet and shouldn’t cost anything to perform but ask your vet first if there is a charge for the scan. You can also visit the website of the service provider of the chip to verify the information. Their website and phone number are located on the tag provided for your pets’ collar. (not attaching this tag on the pets’ collar is another thing people tend to put off, so make sure to do that today! If you have lost the tag, contact the provider for a replacement tag. Your vet can give you the provider’s contact information for it, too, is on the chip.)

A microchip is easily injected into the animals’ shoulder area and is anchored in place as a thin layer of connective tissue forms around it. The chip requires no care. All three of my dogs have chips, and not one cried or displayed any discomfort at the time of injection.

Listen now.