Microchipping

Imagine if your dog or cat gets lost. You’d want to give them the best chance of getting home. With microchipping, you can. Microchipping is a non-invasive procedure that gives your dog or cat with a lifetime of permanent identification. To schedule your dog or cat’s microchipping appointment, please contact 613-247-0013.

Are microchips safe for dogs and cats long-term?

Microchipping is a safe, permanent way to identify your pet in case they get lost. A microchip, which is a tiny device about the size and shape of a grain of rice, is placed just under the loose skin at the back of the neck. When a lost dog or cat without an ID tag is found, a veterinarian or veterinary technician will use a handheld microchip scanner to check for a chip. If they have one, it will transmit its ID number to the scanner via a low-frequency radio wave. The veterinary hospital or shelter then calls the chip manufacturer, retrieves the owner’s contact information, and calls them.

Do indoor cats need microchips?

Even the most responsible owners can’t always guarantee their cat won’t get lost. A leash could break or slip out of your hand, they could push through a screen door or window, or a contractor or friend could accidentally leave a door open. Although we hope your cat never becomes lost, we want you to be prepared.

Is one type of identification enough for my dog or cat?

We recommend that you use a microchip, along with a collar and ID tag, to identify your dog or cat. An ID tag is still a reliable identification method. Dogs and cats that have tags with current contact information are more likely to not end up in shelters and tend to get home faster than those without tags. However, collars and ID tags aren’t permanent and can be removed (overnight or for grooming). Your dog or cat can also lose them. With a microchip, they’ll have a much better chance of being identified and returned to you. Dogs and cats without microchips that end up in shelters could be adopted out to another family or even euthanized.