At Berthoud Animal Hospital, we prioritize your pet’s health and safety. That is why we recommend and offer cat and dog microchipping for pets in the Berthoud, CO area. Statistics show that one out of every three pets will go missing in their lifetime. Microchipping is a simple way to ensure that if your pet goes missing, you have done everything you can to be reconnected with them.
HomeAgain Microchips has brought home over two million lost pets to their families. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), microchipped dogs are returned to their owner 52% of the time, while dogs without a microchip are returned only 22% of the time. For lost cats, only 2% that aren’t microchipped are returned, while nearly 39% of microchipped cats are brought home.
Lost Pet Prevention
While cat and dog microchipping is important for tracking and reconnecting with a lost pet, here are some tips to preventing your pet from becoming lost:
Pet Identification
A tag attached to your pet’s collar is the easiest way to identify them. Information engraved on a dog or cat tag should be legible and include your pet’s name, your phone number, and proof of vaccinations (specifically rabies). If your pet becomes loose and has a collar and tag, it will be easy for others to recognize that the pet is owned, vaccinated, and safe to approach. If your pet gets loose without a collar or tag, they can be taken to the nearest animal hospital or shelter to be scanned for their microchip. The scan will reveal your contact information and easily bring your beloved pet back home.
Appropriate Collars and Leashes
Many dogs become loose on walks or in overstimulating situations because they can easily back away and slip their collar over their head. A collar should be tight enough to only allow two fingers to fit between the collar and the pet’s neck, leaving enough room for both comfort and security. Larger-sized dogs should also have a thicker collar and leash. If the dog is strong enough, it may be able to break through a thin collar or leash if there is enough tension.
Adequate Training
Obedience training can become extremely helpful in unwanted situations, such as your dog becoming loose in an open environment. Simple commands, such as sit, stay, and come, will prevent your dog from running freely away, and allow you to re-secure them with a collar or leash. Training for us as pet owners is also vital in difficult situations. It is important to remain calm and direct so that your pet will comply with your commands.
Ensure Preparation
Obedience training, proper identification, cat and dog microchipping, and using appropriate collars and leashes are all great preparations to prevent your pet from getting loose or going missing. Preparation can also include joining online message boards to share photos and awareness of your missing pet.
