It's straight out of a sci-fi movie:

A chip placed beneath the skin that can reveal personal information. A chip so tiny, that you do not even know it is there. This seems like fantasy, but, in fact, microchipping in pets is continually growing in popularity. Microchips can be implanted in cats, dogs, ferrets and other household pets. There are a few things you should and consider know before you take your pet in to have a microchip inserted.

First, is it worth it?

If your pet were to lose his way home, how would you find him? Print out pictures and information and post them on every tree in the neighborhood? What's the likeliness that this will produce your pet? This may have worked years ago, but now most people are too busy to even notice the signs. If your dog had a microchip, then an animal shelter or pound could scan his information and reunite the two of you. Microchipping is a better, more reliable way to locate your pet.

Know what risks are involved

First, it's not painful for your pet. Much like a vaccination, the rice-sized chip in injected under the skin. Your pet will not even know it is there. Currently, there is a debate on whether microchips can cause tumors at the resting site.

What studies show

Many studies have been conducted on rats, resulting in conflicting information. It is highly unlikely that your pet will have any type of reaction to the chip. Most people believe that the chance of locating their pet is worth the small risk of a tumor. However, it is up to you to weigh the effects. Most of the research can be found on the Web, or your veterinarian can provide you with additional information. If your pet already has a microchip, then it is a good idea to occasionally feel around the site for lumps. If a lump is found, then schedule an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible.

What isn't true

Many people assume that microchipping is unaffordable. This is not the case. Microchipping normally costs less than $50. The chip never needs to be repaired or replaced. It is a good idea to have the chip implanted at the same time you take your pet in for other procedures, such as a vaccination. Many veterinarians will charge less for the chip if the pet is having other work done.

Letting others know

Once you have a microchip placed under your pet's skin, then it is a good idea to make sure his collar or identification tag acknowledges the presence of the chip. The majority of animal shelters and pounds have the technology to scan the chip, but a neighbor two blocks away probably does not. By identifying that your pet has a microchip, the "finder" is more likely to take your pet to a place where he can be identified.

Registering your pet

It is important that you follow all instructions given to you by your veterinarian. Once the chip is inserted, you must register your information on a database. Sometimes, there is a small fee for registering. Otherwise, the chip can be scanned and no information will be found, making the chip worthless. If you move houses or change your phone number, then make the chip as high a priority as you do your credit cards. There may be a small fee associated with changing your information in the database, but it is well worth any cost that may be incurred.

The good

Microchipping is a great way to locate your pet, whether he's a cat, dog, or ferret! Signs and posters stapled to trees are ineffective and hardly produce results. Most animal shelters have scanners and scan all pets that are brought to them. The microchip procedure is painless and affordable. Much like a vaccination, it is inserted directly beneath your pet's skin and only requires the initial implantation. After that, you register your information in a database and keep the information updated frequently. Tumors have been associated with microchipping in rats, but have no been proven to cause tumors in other pets. It is up to you to weigh the advantages against the disadvantages, and decide what's best for your animal!

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