Becoming a first-time pet owner is exciting, and it also comes with a lot of new responsibilities. Between vaccinations, training, and finding the right food, it’s easy to overlook some early pet care steps like microchipping. Preventive Veterinary Medicine Clinic makes this part simple. Here’s what every new dog or cat owner should know about pet microchipping.

What Is Pet Microchipping?

A microchip is a small electronic device inserted under your pet’s skin. Most veterinarians place the microchip between the shoulder blades. This tiny device contains a unique ID number that links to your contact information through a national pet recovery database.

Key Point: Microchips are not GPS trackers. They don’t track your pet’s location. A pet microchip works when an animal shelter or veterinarian scans the chip and uses the ID number to find and contact you.

Does Your Indoor Cat Need a Microchip?

Whether your pet is indoors only or loves the outdoors, accidents happen. Even a fully indoor cat might dart through an open door or out a window. Without proper ID, they could end up in a shelter, unidentifiable. Collars with ID tags help, but:

• They can fall off.
• Tags can become unreadable.
• They are likely not always on your pet.

Your indoor cat carries a permanent form of ID that’s always with them if they are microchipped.

When Should You Microchip Your Pet?

Puppies and kittens can be microchipped as early as around 8 weeks, although it depends on the pet. Pet microchipping is most commonly done during a vaccine appointment or a spay or neuter surgery.

If you are adopting an older pet, ask if they’re already microchipped and make sure the registration is transferred to your name.

How to Register a Microchip

Pet microchips only work if they’re registered. After your pet is chipped, the veterinarian will provide the ID number and registry instructions. You’ll go online to:

• Create an account
• Enter your contact info
• Add a secondary contact, like a trusted friend or relative

It’s a one-time setup that can make all the difference in an emergency. Some veterinary clinics even register the chip for you! Make sure to keep the info updated if you change phone numbers or email addresses.

Microchipping Tips for New Pet Owners

• Ask your vet to scan your pet’s chip at annual visits to verify it’s functional.
• Save your registration login and chip number with your pet’s vet records.
• Combine microchipping with other procedures during preventive vet visits.
• Update your contact info any time you move or change phone numbers.

Microchipping Matters for Pets in Pepperell, MA

Microchipping is one of the easiest, most effective ways to keep your pet safe. For first-time pet owners, it provides peace of mind and permanent protection without ongoing upkeep. Preventive Veterinary Medicine Clinic can guide you through the pet microchipping process from start to finish. We provide veterinary care to cats and dogs in Pepperell or nearby communities like Dunstable, Townsend, Lunenburg, Groton, and Westford. Schedule an appointment to have your new pet microchipped.