By Toni Kelley

We have all seen or heard the advertisements for pet microchip identification. But, some may be wondering just what it is and how it works. Here is some information to get you started. If you want to learn more, visit your local veterinarian.

This microchip is a new method for pet identification and retrieval. This tiny microchip is implanted between your pet's shoulder blades, by a simple injection under the skin. Quite similar to a routine vaccination. The ID number, and contact information are then entered into the Recovery service. This information is entered into a national database. Your pet is also given collar tags that identify and display the toll free number for the pet recovery system.

If you're pet is lost, after it is found it can be scanned at an animal shelter or veterinarian's office. After being scanned, the identification number is called into the recovery service, and the owner is notified immediately. In some cases, animal shelters will keep pets longer if they are implanted with the microchip identification.

This method of pet identification is becoming quite popular and highly recommended. Now, you're probably wondering if it works. Yes, there are over three million pets enrolled, and the pet recovery system has over 270,000 successful recoveries.

How big is this microchip? It is amazingly small; it is about the size of a grain of rice. Is it safe? Long term tests and extensive studies have shown no signs of complications. How much does this pet recovery system cost? You can purchase the chip directly from the provider through their website or through their toll free number. This information is available through your local veterinarian. This microchip service is also available through your local veterinarian, or animal shelter. Call ahead first to see if these places are currently participating, as this system is fairly new. Prices will vary, but piece of mind is priceless.

Why should you choose microchip identification? While traditional collar tags are imprinted with your pets address, they can come off easily. There is also the method of pet tattooing, but these can become blurred over time, and duplicate ID numbers do exist. Microchip identification is a permanent ID that cannot be altered.

If your pet is a wanderer, or you travel with your pet this method of identification will give you piece of mind. Keeping our pets safe, as well as healthy allows us to love and cherish them for many, many years to come.

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About the author

Toni Kelley resides in a small town in southern Lower Michigan where she lives with her husband, three children, six dogs and three cats.

As a freelance writer, her work has been featured in Dexter Magazine, STYLE Magazine, Art Nouveau Magazine, and many others. Since 2005, she has authored a bi-weekly column in her local newspaper entitled Pet Corner.

In addition to her writing, she is also a dedicated editor for When Magazine, Eternal Press Publishing and Creative Media Alliance. Her passion for animals is the key element that keeps her active in local animal awareness.