May is Chip Your Pet Month, a time dedicated to educating pet owners about the life-saving importance of microchipping. Every year, millions of pets go missing, and unfortunately, many are never reunited with their families. Collars and ID tags are useful, but they can fall off or be removed. A microchip offers something more reliable—a permanent form of identification that travels with your pet wherever they go. At CityVax, we believe microchipping is one of the simplest yet most powerful tools to help ensure pets get safely back home.
A microchip is a small, rice-sized device implanted just beneath the skin, usually between a pet’s shoulder blades. It’s quick, nearly painless, and doesn’t require surgery or anesthesia. The chip contains a unique identification number that’s registered to the pet owner's contact information in a national database. When a lost pet is brought to a veterinary clinic or animal shelter, they are scanned with a handheld device that detects the microchip and pulls up the ID number. With that number, the finder can contact the registry to locate the pet’s family.
Many people assume that a collar and tag are enough, but these can easily be lost or damaged. A microchip can’t be altered or removed and stays with your pet for life. It’s especially valuable in emergencies, such as natural disasters, unexpected escapes, or accidents where pets are displaced. Even indoor pets can benefit from microchipping—no pet is immune to the possibility of getting lost, and it only takes a second for a door to be left open or a screen to come loose.
It’s important to understand that microchips are not GPS trackers. They don’t tell you where your pet is in real time. Instead, they work by increasing the chances that a good Samaritan, vet, or shelter can identify your pet and notify you once they’ve been found. For microchips to work effectively, your contact information must be kept up to date in the microchip registry. After your pet is chipped, be sure to register the chip and update your phone number, address, and emergency contacts if they ever change.
Microchipping is a one-time procedure that lasts a lifetime. It takes only a few seconds, and most pets experience minimal discomfort—comparable to getting a routine vaccine. At CityVax’s low-cost pop-up clinics, we offer microchipping alongside essential vaccinations, making it easy and affordable for every pet parent to protect their furry companion.
The peace of mind that comes with microchipping is invaluable. No one wants to think about their pet going missing, but preparation is the best way to avoid heartache. During Chip Your Pet Month, there’s no better time to take this important step toward safeguarding your pet’s future. Whether your pet is a curious puppy, a feisty indoor cat, or a senior who never strays far, microchipping adds an essential layer of protection that every pet deserves.
Celebrate Chip Your Pet Month by taking action today. Visit a CityVax pop-up clinic near you to get your pet microchipped and vaccinated—all in one convenient stop. Your pet’s safety is worth it.
