Pet microchipping is true peace of mind for pet owners. Each year, thousands of cats and dogs go missing, and a pet ID chip is often the only way to reunite them with their family. As of July 1, 2020, all cats and dogs in Hawaii over 4 months old must have microchip identification.

National Check the Chip Day is Aug. 15, 2020. This day serves as a reminder to microchip your pet and to make certain all of your registration information is current. Here are five important reasons to microchip your pet.
 

1. Pet Returns

The single most important reason for microchipping is the safe return of your pet. Veterinarians and shelters perform a simple scan that reveals owner information within seconds. A lost family member is a devastating event. The good news is many animals are reunited with their owners because of microchips.
 

2. Pet Owner Responsibility

Microchipping encourages responsible pet ownership. A pet ID chip, regular vaccinations, and registration are easy and effective ways to protect your cat or dog. Placing the chip only takes a few minutes, with little discomfort.

Once inserted, a chip lasts for a lifetime, and the cost is a reasonable one-time fee for the assurance that your pet is locatable if lost.
 

3. Pet Theft Protection

Proof of ownership is much easier to establish with a microchip that can be verified by a vet or other agency. It is a sad fact that a number of pets are stolen each year. If someone unknowingly purchases a stolen pet, the process of returning them to its rightful owner is less traumatic.
 

4. Pet Lives Saved

Pets not microchipped are often received by the shelter-care system. They can linger in care for months or years, while owners search for them. Some shelters only hold animals for a period of time, so lost pets are at risk of being euthanized. This is easily preventable with a pet ID chip and up-to-date contact information.
 

5. Pet Shelter Aid

Microchipping is a great support tool for animal shelters. Staff can scan an animal and begin the process of reuniting the pet and owner through quick identification. Microchips lessen the expense and burden on shelters to care for and to place animals that may already have good homes.
 

Pet Hospitals Support National Check the Chip Day

Pet Hospitals of Hawaii understands how important it is to protect your pets at all times. We are Hawaii’s premier pet hospitals that you can trust with all of your pet care needs. If you need assistance, please call or text us today. We care for your pets as our own.