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Microchip

It is important to microchip your pet in case they ever get lost, but how does it work? If your cat were to wander off, or if someone took them, it is not a GPS, you cannot locate them with simply just the microchip. However, if someone were to find them and take them to the vet, the vet would check their microchip and contact the owner. If someone had stolen your cat, and took them to the vet, the vet would still check their microchip and if the microchip information does not match with the owner’s information, they would contact the number that is associated with your pets ID number. Which that should be you, if you have changed your phone number address, it is best to call the microchip company and have that sorted right away. It is important to have the right contact’s name and phone number on their file.

In Canada, there are two microchip company that we are familiar with, 24HourWatch and Eidap. If you have a choice between the two, we would recommend Eidap, as they give you a tag for your pets ID number and their phone number already on the tag, and it is good quality. For 24HourWatch, also gives you a tag with their information, but it is made of silicone plastic which will fall off in a matter of weeks or months. Eidap also allows you to automatically register from both, but 24HourWatch does not automatically register with Eidap. If you do not have Eidap, it is an extra one time charge to get their tag mailed to you, but if you register with them right away, they will mail you a free one. Overall, Eidap is the better choice of the two, but the fundaments work the same way.

Tags

Especially if your pet is an outdoor cat, it is important to have a proper collar and tag on them with all the up to date information in case they are ever lost. If you have worn out collars or tags, it is best to get them a new collar with a bell and a new tag.

Your Tag should include the following information:

Front: Name of pet

Back: You can simply have your name, and your phone number. Some people even include their home address, that is completely up to you. If you do not have a tag for your pet’s ID number, and the phone number for microchip company, you can pay for a new tag from your microchip company and attach them to your pet’s collar.

If you do not have a microchip company like Eidap, or if you lost your old tag, this is where making your own microchip works just as well, just ensure you read the numbers over a couple of times before you start engraving your tags.

You will also want to keep their rabies tag on their collar as well.