When it comes to protecting our pets, most of us wouldn’t think twice about giving them a name tag and a collar. But is that enough? As technology has evolved, microchipping has emerged as a more permanent and reliable form of pet identification. At West Babylon Animal Hospital, we want pet owners to understand the strengths and limitations of each method, and why combining both tags and pet microchipping offers the best safety net.

The Role of Visible ID: What Collars and Tags Offer Pets

Collars with ID tags provide instant access to your contact information. If a neighbor or passerby finds your pet, they can immediately call you; no scanner or database required. It’s a simple, low-tech solution that works in many everyday situations. But there are drawbacks to relying only on a collar to bring a lost pet home:

• Tags can fall off or become illegible.
• Collars may break, slip off, or not even be on during an escape.
• Not everyone checks or recognizes the importance of pet ID tags.

Still, a well-fitted collar with clear, up-to-date tags is a must-have for all pets.

Pet Microchipping: The Built-In Backup Plan

Microchips take pet identification a step further. Implanted under the skin, they remain with your pet for life. These rice-sized devices store a unique ID number that links to your contact details in a secure national database. When scanned by an animal shelter or veterinary clinic, they can retrieve this number and reconnect you with your pet. 

Microchipping your cat or dog is an invaluable step because pet microchips offer:

• Permanence: The microchip stays in place and doesn’t wear out.
• Security: It can’t be removed or altered.
• Universal Use: Most veterinary clinics and animal shelters now scan all stray pets.

The catch? It only works if your contact info is registered and kept current. Make sure that your pet’s microchip has been registered after insertion. If your contact information changes, be sure to update as necessary in the online microchip database. 

Which One Should Your Pet Use? Both!

Choosing between collars and microchips for your pet is a bit like choosing between car insurance and wearing a seatbelt: you really need both. A collar provides immediate access for anyone who finds your pet. A microchip ensures your pet can still be identified if the collar is gone. Using both more than doubles your pet’s chance of being returned. Having pet ID tags and a microchip also covers all scenarios from quick finds to animal shelter intakes.

Here’s what you can do to maximize your pet’s protection:

• Check that tags are readable and securely fastened.
• Have your pet microchipped at a preventive care visit and register the chip with your current contact information.
• Ask your veterinarian to scan the microchip at annual visits to confirm it’s still functional.
• Add secondary contacts in the microchip database in case you’re unreachable. Note, this option may not be available in all databases.

Microchipping for Pets in West Babylon, NY

Relying on just a collar or just a microchip leaves gaps in your pet’s safety. When used together, they form a complete identification system that works whether your pet is found in your neighborhood or by animal control miles away. West Babylon Animal Hospital encourages every pet owner to double up on protection. It could make all the difference. Ready to microchip your cat or dog? Schedule an appointment for pet microchipping in West Babylon, NY, serving Farmingdale and neighboring areas.