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Frequently Asked Questions
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How are pets microchipped?
The procedure is simple and similar to administering a vaccine or a routine shot. The microchip comes preloaded in a sterile applicator and is injected under the loose skin between the shoulder blades. The process takes only a few seconds, and your pet will not react any more than he would to a vaccination. No anesthetic is required.
Does microchipping hurt the animal?
Animal microchips are about the size of a grain of rice and are typically implanted just beneath the surface of the skin between the shoulder blades. The process is similar to receiving vaccination through a needle and is painless to pets. Most animals don’t even react when the microchip is implanted. Once implanted the microchip remains between the shoulder blades just beneath the skin for the rest of the animal’s lifetime, becoming a permanent form of identification.
Why is microchipping the preferred method of identifying pets?
All pets should wear collar tags imprinted with their name and the phone number of their owner or veterinarian. Tags, though, may become worn and impossible to read or may slip off. Tattooing pets with a number is another method of identifying pets; however, veterinarians and pet rescue experts say tattoos can blur over time, and they can be altered. A microchip is the only form of pet identification that is permanent, with a unique number that cannot be altered or removed.
Isn't the micro chip a GBS device?
Pet microchips are not GPS devices. The location of a lost pet cannot be searched using a microchip.
Are pets ever allergic to microchips?
24PetWatch microchips are biocompatible. This means that they are designed to be compatible with a pet's body tissue and not cause an allergic reaction when professionally implanted.
Does the microchip ever move in the body?
24PetWatch microchips are safely contained in biocompatible glass to prevent any movement. When implanted by a trained professional, there is very little chance of the microchip moving.
How old does my pet have to be for a microchip?
Any pet over 12 weeks old can be microchipped.
What if I'm not available when you call?
If we cannot reach you we will leave a voicemail and contact your emergency contact or current vet clinic to check your details are up to date as well. In that time, we will ask the finder of your pet to keep it safe. If they cannot do that, we will ask them to take it to a vet, a shelter or a humane society. There, your pet will be scanned for a microchip and staff will contact us to confirm the pet is now with them.
What should I do if my pet goes missing?
Call 24PetWatch at 1-866-597-2424, choose the lost pet option and let us know that your pet has gone missing. We will confirm all of your contact information with you to ensure its accuracy so that we are able to contact you when your pet is recovered. As soon as your pet is found, either by an individual or shelter or humane society, we will call you immediately and connect you to your pet's rescuer. We are available to receive this very important call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and will contact you day or night to have you reunited with your pet.
What happens if my pet is taken to a shelter or humane society?
All animals that are brought into a shelter or humane society are routinely scanned for a microchip. In the event that a microchip is present, the staff will know to contact 24PetWatch. When we match your pet's microchip to your contact information we will call and inform you that your pet has been found and help you arrange a reunion.
Remember, if your pet goes missing call us 24 Pet Watch first at 1-866-597-2424, 24-hours a day, 7 days a week.
