For most pet owners, a dog or cat quickly gains status as part of the family, so becoming accidentally separated is the equivalent of losing a family member. Microchipping services at Pavilion Crossing Animal Hospital in Riverview, FL, help ensure that Riverview, Brandon, Bloomingdale, Ybor City, Tampa Bay, and Wesley Chapel area pet owners get their pets back in the event they ever get lost.
Pet chip choices
An animal microchip is a popular method for permanently identifying your pet. It uses RFID (radiofrequency identification) technology, which does not require a power source. The tiny device, about the size of a rice kernel, is implanted by injection just beneath your pet’s skin at the back of the neck. When a handheld scanner is passed over the pet, it provides enough power for the chip to transmit ID information.
Most veterinary facilities, animal control officers, rescue groups, shelters, and pounds check for microchips and will notify you if your pet ends up in their care.
A GPS chip for dogs or cats works differently. This device has a lithium battery that allows you to track the animal in real-time with a receiver and a smartphone app. GPS tracking can be a terrific aid in your active search for a lost pet. However, a dog tracker chip or cat tracker chip is larger than a microchip, so it is worn externally on a collar or vest. The lithium battery must be replaced or recharged periodically.
Surprising facts about pet microchipping
- A collar and tag can get lost (or be intentionally removed) when a pet is on the run. An implanted chip is permanent.
- To protect your privacy and security, a microchip contains only a personal identification number, not your name, address, or telephone number. It is linked to your pet’s records through a third-party database.
- Microchip implantation is virtually painless and very safe. Tissue reaction or rejection is rare.
Countless lost pets end up with strangers or, worse, they are left to fend for themselves, die on the highway, or are euthanized. Pet microchipping greatly increases the chance that you will get your best friend back. Call (813) 670-8881 to schedule this service at Pavilion Crossing Animal Hospital in Riverview, FL.
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Dr. Keshava Eega
Pavilion Crossing Animal Hospital
Dr. Keshava Eega moved to the United States in 2003 to further his passion for practicing high-quality and modern veterinary medicine in a challenging environment. Having graduated from the College of Veterinary Science in Hyderabad, India, he then completed his Master’s in Animal Science and the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam in 2006. Dr. Eega then completed his clinical rotations at the Louisiana State University, School of Veterinary Medicine and subsequently obtained his license to practice Veterinary Medicine in the state of Florida. Dr. Eega possesses thirteen years of experience in corporate practice in Orlando as both an Associate Veterinarian and a Lead Doctor. Through the course of his tenure, he has gained vast and widespread experience and exposure in both the practice of high-quality veterinary medicine and soft tissue surgeries. He also possesses professional interests in preventive care, senior pet care, skin cases, nutrition, behavior and wellness exams, particularly for both cats and dogs. Dr. Eega also possesses Fear Free certification which enables him to rid pets, owners and even veterinary health care teams of fear, stress, and anxiety. Hence, in the hands of Dr. Eega, you can be assured that your pet receives modern, customized care in a comfortable environment!