Simple Pet Microchipping
Microchipping your pet is a safe, easy, non-surgical, and proactive procedure that increases the chance of finding and identifying your four-legged friend in case you're separated from one another.
At Fort Hunt Animal Hospital, we insert a tiny radio frequency ID (RFID) microchip under your pet's skin. Should the animal go missing and turn up at a shelter or vet clinic, staff members equipped with RFID scanners can pick up the chip's transmission containing your contact information and notify you of your pet's location.
If you have any questions about microchipping, please call (703) 360-6100.
Answers to Microchipping FAQs
What is microchipping?
Microchipping is the process of placing a very small device under the outer layer of skin on your pet. This device, which is as small as a grain of rice, causes no harm to the pet. However, when our vet or another vet scans over the pet's body to locate the presence of the chip, it can then transmit data that lets us know who the pet's owners are.
Microchipping is a safe process that can help to protect your pet's health and ensure you are always found if the pet is lost.
Will microchipping hurt my pet?
The implantation process does not hurt any more so than a standard vaccination. There is no need for anesthesia with this procedure. It is done in our veterinary office and takes only a few minutes to complete.
Will the device locate a lost pet?
It's important to know that microchipping does not track your pet. It doesn’t have any type of GPS access. Rather, it uses a radio frequency identification system. That is, when a device scans over your pet, it can access the information stored within the implant.
Because these chips operate on RFID, they do not require a power source to transmit the microchip's ID number. This means there will never be anything to replace and the device lasts the pet's lifetime.
How much does it cost to have a pet microchipped?
Microchipping can be a very affordable process in our veterinary office. When you visit us, we can provide more information about the cost.
There is only a one-time fee for this service; however, there may also be a registration fee.
What type of information is stored on a microchip?
The microchip itself only stores a number. That number is one that correlates with a record within our database. Area veterinarians and some police departments and animal shelters have access to this information. With the number, we can access the owner's contact details.
It's important to keep this information up to date to ensure we can constantly access the information when necessary.
Reasons to Choose Our Animal Hospital
- Locally owned since 1985
- American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) accredited
- Feline-friendly practice
- High standard of care
- Boarding services available
- 10% OFF if referred by a current client
- 10% discount for active duty military clients
