Emergencies can happen in an instant. Whether it’s a house fire, break-in, or family emergency, chaos makes it easy for pets to slip away and become separated from their owners. Unfortunately, millions of pets go missing each year. The good news is that with the right identification and microchipping, the chances of being reunited with your pet rise dramatically. Dickin Memorial Animal Hospital believes that every pet deserves the security of reliable identification, especially when life takes an unexpected turn.
The Risks of Lost Pets During Emergencies
Even the most well-trained dog or indoor-only cat can become frightened in a crisis. Loud sirens, broken fences, or hurried travel can all create opportunities for pets to escape. In these stressful situations, collars may fall off (or not be on at all), and pets without proper identification often end up in shelters with no clear way to trace them back home.
Visible identification, like a collar with an ID tag, is important. In many cases, a good Samaritan who finds a lost pet will call the number on the tag right away, saving time and worry. For best results, however, pet owners will want to combine microchipping and a collar ID for layered protection.
Why Microchipping Matters
A microchip is a small device placed just under your pet’s skin, usually during a general veterinary appointment as part of preventive care. It carries an identification number that connects to your contact information in a secure online database. Unlike collars, a microchip is always with your pet, making it one of the most reliable forms of permanent identification.
- Permanent ID: Always with your pet, no matter what.
- Higher Return Rates: Pets with microchips are far more likely to be reunited with their owners.
- Universal Recognition: Most veterinary clinics and shelters have scanners to detect chips.
- Peace of Mind: Your pet has a backup form of ID if their collar is lost.
A microchip is only as effective as the information tied to it. If you change your phone number or update your email, make sure your pet’s microchip registry reflects those changes. Too often, pets with outdated chip details still end up stranded.
Preparing for Emergencies with Pet Identification
Here’s how to make sure your pet is protected before disaster strikes:
- Microchip your pet if they don’t already have one.
- Register the chip and keep your information current.
- Use a secure collar with a durable ID tag.
- Keep recent photos of your pet on hand in case you need to make a lost-pet flyer.
- Include ID in your pet’s emergency kit (microchip number).
Get Your Pet Microchipped in Endicott, NY
Emergencies are stressful, but losing your pet forever doesn’t have to be part of the equation. You’re giving your pet the best chance of finding their way back home by having them microchipped. Dickin Memorial Animal Hospital performs microchipping for pets in Endicott and from neighboring areas like Binghamton or Apalachin. We encourage every pet owner to make microchipping part of their preparedness plan. Schedule an appointment to have your pet microchipped.