Animal Update: The Importance Of Microchipping Pets

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) — Should your pet ever get lost, there is a simple and safe way for owners to locate their furry little loved ones. Dr. Jennifer Scartlett of the San Francisco SPCA talks about the process of placing microchips in pets.

"A microchip is simply a transponder encased in an inert glass shell, it's about the size of a grain of rice and we insert it under the skin of animals using basically a syringe and a large bored needle," Scarlett said.

If your cat or dog is lost Dr. Scarlett said they can use a scanner that links the microchip to a unique number. That way the owner can be found if their pet ever ends up in a shelter.

Scarlett said the procedure is absolutely safe for pets.

"There are very few complications when dealing with this procedure, and when you look at the statistics, only 16 percent of dogs and only two percent of cats are redeemed from California shelters."

She assured that if your pet is microchipped, the chances of them being returned are much higher.

For more information on microchipping and the cost visit: www.sfpca.org

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