While using microchips in pets is being pushed by the AKC and many veterinaries, like everything there are both pros and cons to microchips in pets. Let’s have a look at both.

Pros

Microchips offer a permanent form of identification and proof of ownership for your pets. It has an estimated life expectancy of 75 years and it is far less stressful to your pet than a tattoo. ISO chips could make traveling between countries with your pets easier. Border clearances could be significantly reduced.

If your pet becomes lost the odds of finding your pet increase significantly with a microchip. Most shelters and almost all veterinary clinics have microchip readers so when a stray animal arrives they can scan for a microchip and reconnect the pet with its rightful owner.

If pet microchips become mandatory pet owners would be forced to look out for the welfare of their pets including proper medical care and meeting the pet’s basic needs. It would also make those who chose to abuse their pets more accountable since the owner could be easily identified.

Cons

The actual health risks associated with implanting these microchips has not been identified since they are far too new. Some research suggests they could be responsible for some forms of cancer.

Microchips can cause a false sense of security. The microchips have a tendency to migrate within the body. As a result the microchips are not always picked up because scanner operators are improperly trained or too impatient, which results in missed microchips.

Should pet microchip programs become mandatory there are issues pertaining to privacy of the owners. Each year on the first Saturday of April the American Humane Association, in the Orlando Florida area, holds Tag Day. The event is designed to create awareness for the importance of making sure your pet is identifiable should they become lost or stolen.

When pets land in shelters in the Orlando area, only 2% of cats and 15% of dogs with no identification will be reunited with their owners. Those are alarmingly low numbers, which is why the push is on to make sure all pets are identified, and microchips might just be the best way to do just that.

Originally posted 2010-03-18 15:54:29. Republished by Blog Post Promoter