Though it’s halfway into hurricane season, the peak season of these storms hasn’t arrived yet. As many of you know, hurricanes bring various challenges that you and your pets must be prepared to face. The chaos of a storm can disorient animals, causing them to flee and become lost. This is where pet microchips come into play.
Microchips are a permanent form of identification embedded under your pet’s skin that are usually administered during your pet’s spaying or neutering. They can significantly improve the chances of your reuniting with your pet. This article will explain why microchipping should be an important part of your hurricane preparedness process.
The Importance of Disaster Preparedness
Hurricanes create chaos and stress before they arrive, when they hit, and even after they leave. Due to the loud noises and the sudden changes in routine, animals often become scared and disoriented, leading to them getting loose and running away. It’s not uncommon for pets to get lost during these natural disasters.
Additionally, during evacuations, it’s common for pets to slip out of collars or escape from carriers. The emotional toll of searching for a lost pet is already bad enough; combining that with the stress and danger of a storm often makes things even worse due to debris, flooded areas, and disrupted communication networks. Being prepared with pet microchips is so important to help minimize these risks for you and your pet as much as possible.
What Pet Microchips Are And How They Work
Pet microchips are small, rice-sized devices that serve as a permanent form of identification. Typically implanted under the skin between your pet’s shoulder blades, the tiny chip contains a unique identification number that can be read by a scanner. The quick, safe procedure is often done when your pet is being spayed or neutered. Once inserted, the chip remains active for your pet’s lifetime.
One of the most common misconceptions about pet microchips is that they’re GPS devices. In reality, a microchip doesn’t track your pet’s location but rather stores a unique ID number that’s linked to your contact information. This is why it’s so important to register the chip with the microchip company. The professional who inserts the microchip gives you the name of the company that makes the chip, as well as the paperwork and a pamphlet on how to activate the chip. You must register the chip because it’s useless otherwise.
Steps to Prepare Your Pet for Hurricane Season
First and foremost, make sure your pet’s ID tags are up-to-date with your current contact information. These tags are the quickest and easiest way for someone who finds a lost pet to contact the owner if a pet is found. Additionally, check that your pet’s collar is secure and fits properly. If it’s too loose, it could easily slip off. If your pet isn’t already microchipped, now is the time to schedule an appointment. The earlier, the better, since you’ll want to be prepared well before a storm hits.
If your pet already has a microchip, verify that the chip is registered with your current contact details. Assemble a disaster kit for your pet, including essentials like food, water, medications, and a first aid kit. Don’t forget to include copies of your pet’s microchip registration details in a waterproof container. This kit should be easily accessible so you can grab it quickly if you need to evacuate, ensuring your pet’s needs are met during a stressful time.
What to Do if Your Pet Goes Missing
If your pet goes missing, you’ll first want to contact the microchip company to report that they’re missing. This way, the company can help you search and let you know if any news comes back regarding your pet’s microchip. Next, notify your local shelters, veterinary clinics, and animal control offices, as they have scanners for pet microchips and usually scan any pets that come through. Be sure you provide them with a detailed description of your pet and your contact information. You can even throw in distinguishing marks; for example, one of my dogs has a heart tattoo on his underbelly that was given to him during his neuter.
Ensure that your microchip registration includes multiple different contact numbers. If you’re unreachable, the person who found your pet can reach out to a friend or family member. This increases the chances of getting notified if your pet is found. Lastly, use social media to alert your community. Post detailed information and recent photos on local Facebook groups or even neighborhood apps.
Wrapping Up
To make sure your pet stays safe during hurricane season, be sure to utilize pet microchips, their ID tags are up to date, and you have a disaster kit prepared. Early preparation is key to protecting your pet and ensuring a quick reunion if they happen to get lost. Remember, always take your pets with you if a hurricane is coming. Never leave them behind.
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