The American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Animal Hospital Association has declared today, August 15th, National Check the Chip Day.

I’m the kind of dog Mom that constantly worries something might spook my dog and she’ll run off or get lost if her leash breaks. What if she slips out of her harness? Or someone opens the door and doesn’t notice that she went outside? I think you get the overprotective picture. That’s why getting Sadie microchipped was on the top of my new puppy to do list. Not only does a microchip help ensure her safety if she ever gets lost, but it also goes a long way to ensuring my piece of mind.

So one of the first things I asked the vet at Sadie’s very first appointment was how to get her microchipped. I was told that it was a simple procedure where a needle would be used to insert the grain of rice sized microchip under Sadie’s skin by her shoulder blades. My vet recommended having the microchip implanted at the same time as the surgery to have Sadie spayed. That way she would already be under anesthesia and wouldn’t feel any discomfort from the microchip needle. However, we’ve already established that I’m overly cautious with my dog and spaying/neutering doesn’t happen until the dog is at least six months old. I had a dilemma. Choose the route that would be most comfortable for Sadie and get her microchipped at six months old, or risk her discomfort and insist it was done sooner. My decision was made when I got the opportunity to go on vacation and had to leave five month old Sadie home with a friend. I was nervous about her getting away from me without having a microchip, but I simply couldn’t sleep with the thought of her getting lost while I’m on vacation without the safety net of a microchip. Sadie had her microchip implanted the very next week, and she showed no signs of discomfort whatsoever. It was just like getting any other shot for Sadie, and thankfully she is a better sport than most humans about getting shots.

Now, two years later, I’m still extremely happy about my decision to have Sadie microchipped. It brings me such peace of mind to know that Sadie has identification on her that can never be lost or misplaced. If the unthinkable happens and she goes missing, I know I’ve done absolutely everything I can to ensure she is brought home to me safely.

And that brings us back to today, National Check the Chip Day. Once your pet is microchipped, your contact info as that animal’s owner is permanently stored in the microchip company’s database. But what if your contact info changes? Moving can be a very stressful and hectic time, especially when dealing with pets. Your pets’ microchip information may never cross your mind. Or maybe you recently got a fancy new cell phone, which came with a new cell phone number. That’s what today is for – to remind all pet owners to double check their contact information with their microchip company. If your pet’s microchip lists the wrong address or phone number, you may lose your best chance to bring your lost pet home to you.

This post is part of Life With Beagle‘s Microchip Information blog hop.

This post is also part of Rascal and Rocco‘s Pet Parade blog hop.