What Are the Pros and Cons of a Pet Microchip

Pets bring immeasurable joy in our lives; however, they also bring responsibility. A pet needs the same kind of attention and affection as a human baby does every day. They also cannot speak and tell us what they want or need, so make sure they have a good diet, get enough exercise, and sleep well. You should also make sure they have identification in case they get lost or mixed up with another dog. How? With a pet microchip. Read on to find out everything you need to know about pet microchips.  

What is a Pet Microchip

A pet microchip is an identification chip, embedded under your pet's skin. This chip is around the size of a grain of rice, measuring in at 25 millimeters in length and two millimeters in width. Standard pet microchips are the 15-digit, ISO 11784/11785 chip. 

It has no battery and works like a barcode does for a product at the supermarket checkout. These embedded chips are of great benefit to a pet parent, because they work as identification proof at veterinary centers, creature clubs, pet insurance covers, and vets. It is also a mandatory requirement for an international pet relocation. 

The chips are planted through injections like a vaccine and are just as quick & painless. A microchip is the first thing someone will look for as ID proof, to confirm your pet’s identity or return them to you in case they get lost or somehow wander away.

Pros of Microchipping Your Pet

• Getting a unique identification number for your pet through a registered microchip.
• Confirmation and cross-referencing of immunization records of your pet against those on the chip number before any global travel/migration. 
• Helps with tracing and identifying your pet at a clinic or at the vet in case they wander or get lost. 

Cons of Microchipping Your Pet

• A pet microchip does not serve as a GPS tracker, which is perhaps its only downside. That being said, it is nit-picking, as a GPS tracker would require batteries, which a microchip does not need. 

Although microchips are compulsory before any international pet travel, they should be embedded in all pets, regardless of whether they plan to travel. Before commencing a pet relocation, many countries require pets to be microchipped as a rule, so that imported pets and their medical records can be cross-referenced with the ID number of the chip. As a recommendation, it is always advised to get your pet microchipped before they get their vaccinations. 

Some pet parents may be apprehensive of getting their babies microchipped. However, the benefits are immeasurable, and with no downsides to the process it is a safety net worth having. All pet parents should microchip their pets as soon as possible for maximum safety and convenience. 

How do you Prepare Your Dog for a Long Trip?

Sometimes the need to escape monotony is overwhelming. Daily life and its routines can lead to exhaustion and burn out, which manifest as a desire to get away from it all. Need a break form this and escape the city? Worried about leaving your darling dog alone at home? Why not take them with you on your travels? Dogs are excellent travel partners and can be great fun, provided you plan ahead.​

Here’s How You Can Prepare Your Dog For a Long Road Trip.

Vet Visit

A visit to the vet is recommended before any movement, be it is domestic travel or an international relocation. Your vet can give your pet a clean bill of health before their travels, as well as help with any potential travel-related maladies, such as motion sickness and restlessness in the car.

Dummy Drives

Before embarking on a full-length journey, try shorter ones first. If your dog doesn’t have much experience being inside a car, start with just sitting in the car, then take them on shorter trips and slowly make such trips longer. This buffer period will also help identify and diagnose common issues your pup may have, like motion sickness, restlessness, bladder control, so that lengthier travels with your pet are hassle-free.

Rest & Refreshment Stops

Plan your stops ahead of time to avoid rushing at the last moment. Be sure to check beforehand whether the rest stop/hotel/accommodation you booked is pet-friendly and clean. For domestic travel, make sure to research safe spots to stop for a rest, as well as noting the locations of establishments you may need, such as a vet, clinic, or a medical store. 

Travel Essentials

As there’s no guarantee of what you might end up needing while on the road, it is necessary to be prepared. Carry a first aid kit, collars, leashes, water bottles and bowls, and toys. Bring along a spare pillow or blanket for them to sprawl on, and a few chew toys or treats. Whether you’re embarking on domestic travel or an intercontinental journey, remember to microchip your pooch, as that the only proof of identity they have, and is extremely useful if your dog (God forbid) gets lost or wanders off. 

Car Mods

While most people recommend keeping your dog inside a crate for the duration of any journey, the reality is, since you’re going on a long trip with them and travelling with them domestically, this recommendation is seldom followed. Instead, we’d like to recommend some real-world advice which people might follow. If not in a crate, make sure your pup is leashed inside the car. An un-leashed dog inside can deviate your focus from the road, which is not a good thing. Make sure to belt them in their seat, and remember to tie their leash onto the belt itself or another secure location. If you have a nosy or clingy pup, install a screen or separator/divider between the front and back seats, so your focus remains on the road as your pup vies for your attention.

Weather and Temperature

Account for prevailing weather conditions before your travels. Avoid the outdoors during afternoons, especially if you’re traveling during the summer, and try to cover ground earlier in the day so you can relax during the hot afternoons. Make sure to keep your pup sufficiently hydrated, as dehydration is common when on the road. Keep your windows down; not far enough to provide an escape opportunity, but enough to allow some fresh air to circulate in the car.

Travel by yourself does not require quite as many preparations as pet transportation/travel, but choosing to bear the extra step or two while in preparation can make the journey an immensely satisfying experience. Provided that you check all the safety boxes, your longer trip with your dog will be a joyous and memorable occasion.

If you’re unsure about the preparation or can’t deal with the hassle, you can always call a pet relocation company. If you need help on your longer domestic journey with your pet, or are looking for international pet relocation services, contact Carry My Pet for safe and hassle-free solutions for your trip.