Pet Supplies Plus is one of the largest pet stores in the United States with over 600 locations in 39 states. They offer a range of products for furry, scaly, and feathery pets, including natural and made-in-the-USA products. But one service that sets them apart is their microchip service. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about Pet Supplies Plus microchip services.
A microchip is a small, permanent identification chip about the size of a grain of rice. It’s implanted under your pet’s skin, typically between their shoulder blades. Each chip has a unique ID number that can be used to identify your pet.
Why microchip your pet?
Microchipping your pet is an important step in ensuring their safety. If your pet gets lost and is taken to an animal shelter or veterinary clinic, the microchip can help reunite you with your lost pet. It’s also important to keep your contact information up to date with the microchip provider to ensure a quick reunion with your pet.
How does the microchip work?
When your pet is found, the shelter or veterinary clinic will scan them for a microchip. The scanner emits a low radio frequency that activates the microchip, and the unique ID number is displayed on the scanner. The shelter or veterinary clinic will then contact the microchip provider to obtain your contact information.
Pet Supplies Plus offers microchip services for all dogs and puppies. The microchip can be administered at any age and does not require surgery or anesthesia. The cost of the service varies by location, but it’s typically between $19.99 and $39.99. To find the nearest Pet Supplies Plus store with a microchip service, search for locations with VIP Petcare clinics.
FAQs about Microchip at Pet Supplies Plus
If you’re considering microchipping your pet at Pet Supplies Plus, here are some FAQs to help you make an informed decision.
What is a microchip?
A microchip is a small, permanent identification chip about the size of a grain of rice. It’s implanted under your pet’s skin, typically between their shoulder blades. Each chip has a unique ID number that can be used to identify your pet.
Is microchipping safe for my pet?
Yes, microchipping is safe for your pet. The microchip is designed to be biocompatible and is made of materials that won’t cause an allergic reaction.
Does microchipping hurt my pet?
The microchip is inserted under your pet’s skin using a needle, so there may be some discomfort. However, it’s a quick and relatively painless procedure. Most pets don’t even notice the insertion.
What pets can be microchipped?
Dogs and cats can be microchipped. Pet Supplies Plus offers microchip services for all dogs and puppies.
When should I microchip my pet?
A microchip can be administered at any age and does not require surgery or anesthesia. It’s recommended to microchip your pet as soon as possible so they can be identified if they get lost.
How does the microchip work?
When your pet is found, the shelter or veterinary clinic will scan them for a microchip. The scanner emits a low radio frequency that activates the microchip, and the unique ID number is displayed on the scanner. The shelter or veterinary clinic will then contact the microchip provider to obtain your contact information.
How much does microchipping cost at Pet Supplies Plus?
The cost of microchipping at Pet Supplies Plus varies by location, but it’s typically between $19.99 and $39.99.
Is microchipping the same as a GPS tracker?
No, microchipping is not the same as a GPS tracker. A microchip can only be detected if your pet is found and scanned for the microchip. A GPS tracker, on the other hand, can track your pet’s location in real time.
What if my pet already has a microchip?
If your pet already has a microchip, you can still have them microchipped again. It’s not harmful, and having a second microchip can provide additional security and peace of mind.
A microchip is designed to last for the lifetime of your pet, so you don’t need to worry about replacing it.
Do I need to register my pet’s microchip?
Yes, it’s important to register your pet’s microchip with the provider’s database. This ensures that your contact information is linked to your pet’s ID number, so if your pet is lost, you can be contacted. Pet Supplies Plus uses the HomeAgain microchip system, which provides lifetime registration.
What if I move or change my phone number?
If you move or change your phone number, it’s important to update your contact information with the microchip provider. You can do this by contacting the provider’s customer service or logging into your account on their website.
Can the microchip be removed or fall out?
The microchip is designed to stay in place for the lifetime of your pet, and it’s rare for it to fall out. However, in very rare cases, the microchip can migrate to a different location in your pet’s body. If you notice any changes in your pet’s behavior or appearance, contact your veterinarian.
Can microchips be read in other countries?
Microchip technology is standardized worldwide, but different countries may use different frequencies to read microchips. If you plan on traveling internationally with your pet, it’s important to check the microchip frequency used in that country and make sure your pet’s microchip can be read.
Is microchipping painful for my pet?
No, microchipping is a quick and easy procedure that is typically painless for your pet. The microchip is inserted with a needle under the skin between the shoulder blades, which feels similar to a routine vaccine. Your pet may experience a small amount of discomfort or sensitivity at the injection site, but this should quickly subside.
What if my pet has a reaction to the microchip?
Reactions to microchips are rare, but they can occur. If your pet experiences any abnormal symptoms after being microchipped, such as swelling or redness at the injection site, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Can I track my pet’s location with a microchip?
No, microchips are not GPS-tracking devices and cannot be used to locate your pet. They simply contain a unique ID number that can be used to identify your pet and link them back to you if they are lost.
Do I still need to put a collar with identification tags on my pet?
Yes, it’s important to have multiple forms of identification for your pet. While a microchip is a reliable way to identify your pet, collars with identification tags can provide immediate identification if your pet is found by someone who does not have a microchip reader.
What if my pet is lost and found by someone who doesn’t have a microchip reader?
If your pet is found by someone who does not have a microchip reader, they can still take your pet to a veterinarian or animal shelter to have them scanned. It’s important to keep your contact information up to date with the microchip provider so that you can be notified if your pet is found.
Can microchips cause cancer?
There is no scientific evidence to suggest that microchips cause cancer in pets. In rare cases, tumors have been found at the site of the microchip implantation, but these occurrences are very uncommon and are not thought to be directly caused by the microchip.
How often do I need to update my pet’s microchip information?
It’s important to keep your pet’s microchip information up to date so that you can be quickly contacted if your pet is lost. You should update your pet’s information any time your contact information changes, such as your phone number or address. You can contact the microchip provider to update your pet’s information or do it online.
Is there a fee to update my pet’s microchip information?
Some microchip providers may charge a fee to update your pet’s information, while others offer this service for free. Make sure to check with your microchip provider to understand their policies and any associated fees.
What happens if I adopt a pet that is already microchipped?
If you adopt a pet that is already microchipped, make sure to contact the microchip provider to update the information with your contact information. This is important to ensure that you can be contacted if your pet is lost.
Can any veterinarian or animal shelter scan my pet’s microchip?
Most veterinarians and animal shelters have microchip scanners and can scan your pet’s microchip to identify them. It’s important to make sure that your pet’s microchip is registered with a reliable provider, such as HomeAgain, to ensure that the information can be easily accessed.
Hannah Elizabeth is an English animal behavior author, having written for several online publications. With a degree in Animal Behaviour and over a decade of practical animal husbandry experience, Hannah's articles cover everything from pet care to wildlife conservation. When she isn't creating content for blog posts, Hannah enjoys long walks with her Rottweiler cross Senna, reading fantasy novels and breeding aquarium shrimp.
