February marks Responsible Pet Owners Month, a perfect time for pet parents in Sunnyvale, California, to focus on essential safeguards like pet microchipping. At Paws & Claws Pet Sitting And Dog Walking, we understand the heartbreak of lost pets and the joy of reunions. Pet microchipping makes those happy endings far more likely.
What Are Pet Microchips?
What Are Pet Microchips?
Pet microchips are tiny, rice-sized electronic devices, embedded with a unique identification number. Encased in biocompatible glass, they’re designed not to cause allergic reactions or migrate in the body. Unlike GPS trackers, they don’t require batteries or GPS signals. Instead, they store a passive RFID (radio-frequency identification) code that’s scanned by handheld devices at vets, shelters, or animal control.
The chip remains dormant until activated by a scanner’s electromagnetic field, which powers it to transmit the ID code wirelessly, no power source needed. This code links to your contact information in a pet recovery database like PetLink or HomeAgain, accessible nationwide. Registration is straightforward and often included with the procedure, but always confirm your details are current.
Boosts Return Rates Dramatically
Statistics paint a clear picture: microchipped dogs find their way home 52.2% of the time, compared to a mere 21.9% for unchipped ones. Cats see an even starker difference: 38.5% return with chips versus just 1.8% without, highlighting why indoor cats should be chipped too. These figures come from shelter data across the U.S., where millions of pets enter annually, many preventable with this simple ID.
In urban areas like Sunnyvale, with busy streets and parks, pets slip out during walks or backyard escapes. It’s not uncommon for dogs to bolt during fireworks, holiday celebrations, or someone leaving a gate open. Pet with microchips are usually scanned and returned within hours. Without microchips, adoption or worse outcomes loom, making microchipping a vital part of responsible ownership.
Quick and Painless Insertion Process
Quick and Painless Insertion Process
Getting a pet microchipped mimics a routine vaccine shot. Your vet shaves a small spot between the shoulder blades, then uses a needle to place the chip under the skin in seconds. No anesthesia, stitches, or downtime; pets barely notice and can play immediately afterwards. It’s safe for puppies over 8 weeks, kittens, and even seniors, with minimal risks like rare infections treatable like any shot.
Costs range from $40–$60 in Sunnyvale clinics like Cherry Chase Pet Hospital or Murphy Pet Hospital, often bundled with exams. Additionally, many pet rescues will microchip a newly adopted pet before adoption. At Paws & Claws, we verify chips during client onboarding for extra security on walks and sits.
Deters Theft and Handles Emergencies
Pet thieves will target pets for the purpose of resale. But, pet microchips turn them into traceable liabilities. Scanners at animal shelters or potential buyers reveal true owners fast. In theft-prone areas, it’s a strong deterrent; recovered stolen pets often reunite via chip scans. Beyond crime, it identifies hit-by-car victims or strays, speeding medical care while notifying you.
Provides Lifelong, Tamper-Proof Identification
Provides Lifelong, Tamper-Proof Identification
Once implanted, the microchip lasts your pet’s lifetime (20+ years for dogs, 15+ for cats) with no battery changes or annual fees beyond optional registries. It’s tamper-proof as removal damages it, and subcutaneous placement prevents easy access. Scanners from animal welfare pros read it instantly, pulling up your info if you’ve registered properly.
Life changes like relocating or changing phone numbers. So, we recommend keeping your profile up-to-date online to avoid failed reunions. Collars and tags break or fade, but chips endure disasters like floods or house fires, where external IDs fail. This permanence aligns perfectly with Responsible Pet Owners Month’s call for lasting commitments.
Embrace Pet Microchipping This Responsible Pet Owners Month
February urges proactive steps such as vaccines, spay/neuter, training, and pet microchipping. Don’t wait for a scare, book at a local vet today for this affordable, lifelong safeguard. Paws & Claws Pet Sitting And Dog Walking proudly supports chipped pets with secure walks, overnights, and routine check-ins. We believe that a safe pet is a happy pet!
Looking For A Dog Walker Or Pet Sitter?
Looking For A Dog Walker Or Pet Sitter?
If you or someone you know is looking for pet sitting or dog walking services, then look no further than Paws & Claws Pet Sitting and Dog Walking! We service the Mountain View, Sunnyvale, Cupertino, Santa Clara, and West San Jose areas. Click here to contact us or give us a call at 408-752-2997.
Additionally, be sure to check us out on social media too! We post regularly on Facebook and Instagram. Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an update or adorable picture of the many pets we care for.
