The Cost of Microchipping a Cat: What You Need to Know
For cat owners, microchipping is an effective and affordable way to keep their pet safe. But just how much does it cost to get a cat microchipped? This article will provide an overview of the cost of microchipping a cat and what factors you should consider to determine if microchipping is the right decision for your pet. From vet office fees to additional costs like registration and home finding services, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about this important procedure.
Cost Considerations for Cat Microchipping
Cat microchipping is a safe and cost effective way to keep cats safe and healthy. It involves implanting a tiny rice-sized microchip underneath the skin of the cat, usually between the shoulder blades. The chip contains a unique identification code, which can be read by pet shelters, veterinarians, and other agencies that scan cats for microchip information.
Costs associated with cat microchipping will depend on where the microchipping takes place, but in general, it is relatively inexpensive. Some shelters provide the service for free or at a reduced cost, while many veterinarians charge an administration fee for the procedure. Additionally, cat owners may need to purchase an activation kit from the manufacturer of the chip and register the chip with a national pet recovery database for a nominal fee.
Overall, the cost of cat microchipping is much less expensive than purchasing a lost pet sign, flyer and reward. Furthermore, it is worth the price as microchipping ensures cats are easily identifiable in the event they get lost and helps reunite separated cats with their families.
Benefits of Cat Microchipping
Cat microchipping is a straightforward, safe and reliable method for permanently identifying the identity of a cat in the event that it gets lost or goes missing. Microchipping requires simply injecting an ID chip underneath your cat’s skin. This tiny chip does not cause any added discomfort or stress to the cat. All it takes is a visit to the vet’s office, who will insert the microchip into a specific area of your cat’s neck.
The primary benefit of microchipping is that it gives you greater peace of mind that you can more quickly locate your beloved pet should they ever go missing. The microchip itself contains extremely important information about the cat, including the owner’s name, address and telephone number. When owning a cat, this type of knowledge could be lifesaving if your pet is found by someone else out on the streets with no sign of identification.
Another advantage to cat microchipping is that it reduces the need for invasive methods like tattoos to identify your pet. Traditional methods like tattoos carry far greater risks of infection and trauma to your cat than microchipping does. In addition, tattoos are typically only inscribed onto the cat’s ear, which creates less space for vital identifying details. Microchipping provides owners with much more detailed and expansive information regarding their pet should something happen.
Therefore, it can be concluded that cat microchipping is not only a safe, effective way to ensure your pet’s identification, but it also carries some other benefits.
What is Involved in the Microchipping Process?
Microchipping is a simple and safe way to help keep track of your pet. It involves implanting a tiny, rice-sized microchip that contains an animal’s unique identification number under the skin of the animal’s neck. This helps identify them in the future when they become lost or stolen.
The process itself is relatively straightforward and simple. The chip is inserted with a needle while the animal is sedated or given a local anesthetic. The chip is then placed between the animal’s shoulder blades and injector is used to insert it just under the skin. The procedure is quick and generally takes less than a few minutes.
Once the chip has been inserted, the identification number is registered in a national database. The ID number will be associated with the owner’s contact information, which can be updated as needed throughout the pet’s life.
Microchipping is becoming increasingly popular with pet owners as it helps provide peace of mind that if an animal becomes lost, the owners will be able to be reunited with their pet safe and sound.
Finding a Veterinarian to Administer a Cat Microchip
A veterinarian is the ideal provider for administering a cat microchip, as they have the proper training and experience to do so. These miniature devices are permanently inserted into the pet’s skin and help to identify it if it goes missing. While the process is relatively straightforward and non-invasive, it is important that the procedure is done properly by a professional to ensure the safety of the animal and optimal functionality of the chip.
Vets can also provide extra care during the injection phase of the micro-chipping procedure, such as examining the cat for any existing medical issues or ailments that may be aggravated by the insertion. During the process, the veterinarian will numbs the area of the injection and explains the meaning of the microchip to the owner.
The cat microchip has two main components: the chip itself and a scanner that is capable of reading its digital identifier. The vets clinic should have both available on site and will be able to register the chip with the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). Once this is completed, the chip will remain active for decades. Additionally, a certificate of micro-chipping is also provided to confirm registration and complete the procedure.
The cost of microchipping a cat can vary depending on the package chosen by the pet owner. However, most veterinarians tend to charge between $20 and $50, and some may even offer discounted packages as well as free insertion if purchased as part of a package. It is important to have your cat microchipped to ensure its safety in the event that it gets lost or stolen. Microchipping can save money spent on lost pet advertising and be a vital tool in the safe return of your beloved pet.