MIDDLETOWN, N.Y., July 29, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ani-Mall Pet Hospital in Middletown, NY is reminding pet owners about the importance of microchipping their pets. According to veterinarian Dr. Michael Barra, microchipping is essential to ensuring lost pets are reunited with their owners. Dr. Barra stresses this is especially important for owners who travel with their pets. Animals can easily become lost in unfamiliar areas. A microchip ensures that a local rescue agency or veterinarian will be able to return the pet back home.
Middletown veterinarian Dr. Michael Barra is urging pet owners to microchip their dogs and cats before this summer's family vacation. "Many pet owners enjoy taking the family pet along for a vacation to the beach or mountains," said Dr. Barra. "Without a microchip, if the pet becomes lost or separated from the owners, it can be extremely difficult to find and reunite the pet. Microchipping is essential to a happy reunion."
Dr. Barra stressed that new, unfamiliar territory can confuse a lost pet who may wander unsuccessfully in an attempt to find 'home.' Without a microchip, it can be extremely difficult for local shelters to find the pets owners. If a dog or cat is microchipped, then any shelter or veterinarian can scan for the chip, securely match the chip's unique code with the owner's contact info, and ensure the pet is safely returned home.
In 2006, a lost dog in Texas was able to be reunited with its worried family who lived in California. The dog somehow traveled from California to Denton, Texas before he was found by a stranger, brought to a vet, and scanned for a microchip.
"This story is a great reminder that microchipping can truly save a pet's life," said Dr. Barra. "Without the chip, it would have been impossible for local shelters to know that this dog had a loving and very worried family searching for him back in California."
A microchip is a thin device no larger than a grain of rice that is encoded with a unique serial number. The chip is implanted securely just under the pet's skin, typically beneath the shoulder blades. Anti-migration technology ensures that the chip stays securely in place.
"Microchips work anywhere in the United States, not just here in Middletown," said Dr. Barra. "Unlike a pet tag that can easily become outdated, personal information connected with the microchip can be updated online in just minutes. If owners move or change phone numbers, updating contact information can be done immediately."
Since the microchip only contains a unique ID number, there is no risk that a pet owner's personal information can be accessed outside of an animal hospital or animal shelter.
Ani-Mall Pet Hospital offers comprehensive pet wellness services, including pet boarding and daycare and pet grooming. The veterinary hospital is accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).