Pet Microchip Identification

Ensure your pet’s safety by having them microchipped at Erin Mills Pet Hospital in Mississauga, ON. This safe, permanent, and effective form of identification significantly increases the chances that you can be reunited with your pet if they are ever lost.

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Pet Microchip Identification in Mississauga, ON

Ensuring your pet’s safety is our top priority, and one of the most effective ways to help your furry friend get back home in the event of separation or loss is through microchip identification. At Erin Mills Pet Hospital, we provide professional pet microchipping services to ensure your pet has the best chance of returning home safely.

How Does Pet Microchipping Work?

Microchipping is a simple yet permanent method of identifying your pet. A microchip, about the size and shape of a grain of rice, is placed just beneath the skin at the back of your pet’s neck. The process is quick, safe, and generally painless, requiring only a small injection by a veterinarian or veterinary technician. Once implanted, the microchip is registered with a unique identification number linked to your contact information.

When a pet without an ID tag is found, a veterinarian or animal shelter will use a handheld microchip scanner to check for a chip. If a microchip is present, it transmits a low-frequency radio wave, allowing the veterinary facility to access the owner’s contact details. The facility will then contact you directly to reunite you with your pet.

The Benefits of Pet Microchip Identification:

Permanent Identification: Unlike collars and ID tags, which can be lost or removed, a microchip provides a permanent identification solution. Even if your pet’s collar is removed or falls off, the microchip will remain in place, offering a secure form of identification.
Increased Chance of Reunification: Pets without microchips are at a higher risk of being adopted or euthanized in shelters. With a microchip, your pet is more likely to be identified quickly, giving you the best chance of a safe return.
Comprehensive Care: At Erin Mills Pet Hospital, we ensure your pet’s microchip is properly placed and registered. We also provide guidance on keeping your pet’s contact information up-to-date in the chip’s database.

Situations Where Microchipping is Recommended

For even the most responsible pet owners, it is impossible to fully ensure that your pet never becomes lost. For instance, a leash may break, a pet might push through an open door, or an accidental oversight could lead to your pet wandering away. In these cases, a microchip provides a secure and reliable way to reunite with your beloved companion.

Additionally, microchipping isn’t limited to dogs and cats. We offer microchipping services for ferrets, rabbits, birds, and other small companion animals, ensuring a wide range of pets are protected.

Preparation for Lost Pets

At Erin Mills Pet Hospital, we believe in proactive measures to keep your pet safe. While we hope your pet never becomes lost, having a microchip gives you peace of mind, knowing that your furry friend has a reliable identification method. In the event of separation, quick action is essential, and a microchip makes this possible.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment for your pet’s microchip identification. Together, we can ensure that your pet is safeguarded with the best possible means of identification.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Microchipping

Does getting a microchip hurt my pet, and do they need anesthesia?

No anesthesia or sedation is required at all! The implantation process is incredibly quick and feels just like receiving a routine vaccination booster. The microchip is injected using a specialized hypodermic needle between your pet’s shoulder blades. The entire process takes less than ten seconds, and most dogs and cats don’t even flinch.

Is a microchip a GPS tracker? Can I use it to find my lost pet's live location?

This is the most common misunderstanding. A microchip is not a GPS tracker and does not contain a battery or transmit a continuous signal. It is a passive Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) device. Think of it as a permanent digital barcode. It only activates when a handheld scanner is passed directly over your pet’s neck at a veterinary clinic or animal shelter, displaying a unique ID number used to look up your contact details.

I am moving or changing my phone number. How do I update my pet's microchip data?

This is the most crucial step of the process! A microchip is only useful if your registry information is completely accurate. When we implant the chip at Erin Mills Pet Hospital, we provide you with the unique chip number and the corresponding registry database website (such as 24PetWatch or EIDAP). If you move across Mississauga or change your phone number, you simply log into that database website to update your file instantly.

Can a microchip move around or travel inside my pet's body over time?

Occasionally, a microchip can migrate slightly beneath the loose skin on your pet’s back or slide down toward their shoulder or chest. This is completely harmless and does not cause your pet any pain or health issues. Because veterinary staff and shelter workers are trained to scan an animal’s entire body—not just the back of the neck—the chip will still be easily detected if they are ever lost.

How long do pet microchips last? Do they ever need to be replaced?

A microchip is designed to last for the entire duration of your pet’s life. They are built from biocompatible materials that do not degrade or wear out, meaning they never require batteries, charging, or replacement. To ensure total peace of mind, our veterinary team will quickly pass a scanner over your pet’s shoulders during their annual wellness exam to verify it is still reading perfectly.