Microchip implantation is a safe, simple procedure that can be administered to your companion to help increase the chance of its return if they go missing.  Collars and tags can be lost or damaged and may not provide the information necessary to assure safe return of your beloved pet.  A microchip is a small implant the size and shape of a grain of rice that is positioned underneath the pet’s skin between the shoulder blades.  Each microchip contains vital information about the pet that will help provide identification and reunite pets with their owners.

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At Heritage, our clients are given a Home Again registration form to fill out initially.  This form contains vital pet information and contact information for owners.  A microchip is implanted under the skin of the dog or cat which contains your pet’s registration number.  Our staff will register the patient before they leave our hospital into a national pet recovery database.  This registration will be in the database for the life of your pet.

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Veterinary hospitals, animal shelters, rescues, and animal control offices are equipped with electronic scanners that detect the chip and read the identification number.  Once the number is scanned from an animal, a toll free phone call is made to the pet recovery database which can give out the contact information of the pet owner and even the facility that implanted the microchip.  Many lost pets have been reunited with their owners because of this process.  We have reunited many pets in Walkersville when Good Samaritans bring them to Heritage for identification.  It is a very happy time when we reunite a lost pet.

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Animals of any age may receive a microchip.  We offer this service to all of our patients.  Primarily indoor pets can escape and become lost.  Animals that travel a lot or especially go camping should always have a microchip on board for identification.   Consider having the microchip implanted when your pet undergoes another surgical procedure such as a dental cleaning, spay, or neuter, as we can implant the microchip while they are under anesthesia and they won’t feel the needle!  We will register them before they are discharged from the hospital. 

Microchipping is a safe and effective insurance if the unthinkable happens.  Talk to our staff about the procedure today!