Petsugar,

Thanks for posting this! I really am interested to hear from others on this topic!

I thought I should add that Oliver's particular medical issues are PKD (polycystic kidney disease), and high blood pressure secondary to the PKD.

I just had to microchip my 11-yr. old indoor cat because of new European travel rules (I'm bringing her with me for a prolonged stay). I was unaware of these possible risks and am now worried, but I really didn't have a choice. My cat also has a few health issues....nothing that will prevent her from traveling, but one is a probable iris melanoma in one eye (has some glaucoma, under control). She hasn't had any problems post-chipping, but I hope that it won't aggravate anything or affect her immune system. I'd been interested to read more about this, too. Thanks.

My cats were microchipped when we got them. I think it's something that would be helpful if they somehow managed to get out of the house- they're very curious and we have to be careful not to let them wander out. I think it's worth it, especially for people with indoor/outdoor cats.

I just feel that in the end, there's going to be a greater chance of my dog getting lost or stolen than there is a likelihood that the chip will cause a problem. One of my dogs is chipped (the other will be soon) and so far we've had no problems with it.

My cat came microchipped from the pound and there have been no problems for him. It's so good to know that there is a way for people to find me if he gets lost

Hi fuzzles!

I can understand your concerns with microchipping Oliver, but it's important to keep in mind that THOUSANDS of animals are microchipped every week, and the instances of issues resulting from the implantation is very low. Not to mention the sad fact that the number of cats returned to their owners from shelters is very, very low.

In my mind, and like others have said, I'm much more worried about my pets being lost or stolen than I am about the very small chance that there will be a medical issue resulting from the implant.

You should definitely talk with your vet about whether or not the PKD could be an issue with the microchip, but I really doubt it will.

I wasn't aware of the risks of microchipping when I got my cats. They came "chipped" when I adopted them from the local Humane Society. I was really glad, because it does bring me some peace of mind in case they ever get out of the house (I don't ever let them out). My cats are young and healthy, though. If I had an older cat with health conditions, I would research microchipping and discuss it with my vet before I had it done. I'm sure you'll make the best decision for you and your cat.

I wasn't aware of any risks either, but I'm not too concerned. It seems to me like the whole microwave debate decades ago. However, if you don't microchip, please please please get tags for your pet, at the very least. PetSugar is good about posting reminders, and it's so important. I found a lost dog this weekend that didn't have a chip, didn't have a tag, and I've been spending all my time trying to find the owner of this poor little adorable pooch (I'd keep it, but I've got 2 cats that probably would protest)

Microchipping isn't perfect but it is a good thing to have and is for the most part safe (depending where the put the chip).

My dog was microchipped when she was 5 months old and she's almost 4 now with absolutely not complications.

I'm getting my 5month old kitten microchipped ASAP because I live in Japan and it's a requirement for pets to have it.

I think it's absolutely important but not absolutely necessary (unless you travel) but if you're feeling iffy talk with your veterinarian about it. They should be able to provide you with every detail you wish to know about it.

Good luck m'dear!

Our local pounds microchip as part of the adoption process. I got my cat from a private rescuer, so he is not chipped, but I don't know if I would chip him. He would be pretty easy to spot at an animal shelter though. Flamepoint Siamese that answers when you call his name.

About two weeks ago, a dog found my mom and shih tzu, Molly. It was about 8 am and my mom was letting Molly outside in the front. The little fuzzy dog was across the street and came bolting over to out house. We let her in the house and she ran all over the place. We called the police nonemergency number and they sent an officer out with a microchip scanner.
She was micro chipped. It was taking a long time to track down the owner and the police officer asked us if we'd be willing to keep the dog if they couldn't find the owner or if the owner didn't want her because all of the animal shelters were full. I said that I would, but asked him what they would do with her if I didn't keep her (and here's the awful part) He said,"Well, we just let them back off the leash and let them go."
I don't think anyone wants that for their dog and I'm getting my dog and two cats microchipped. (We got to keep the dog we found too!)

Hmmm I haven't done it to my kitty yet because she was SUPPOSE to be indoor but now I let her out on a harness and a string...so I do want to eventually get her tattooed or microchipped...I just don't know which one to do yet!

Same with our puppy...when she goes in to get spayed (when she is old enough) we gotta make this choice too.

I'm personally all for microchipping, and I believe that the good out ways the bad (considering the bad hasn't actually be determined). If you feel that microchipping may be dangerous to your pet, have you considered tattooing instead? The rescue we got our big guy from prefers tattooing to microchipping, so there has to be some pros to it.

Hey all! Thanks so much for the feedback! I'm glad to hear that those that have your babies chipped haven't had any problems! I will be talking to my vet about this. Even though Oliver has no interest in going outdoors (he is actually terrified to be anywhere but at home, inside!), I know that anything can happen when it comes to being separated from out "kids." I think that microchipping would give me some piece of mind, since with his long coat and coat texture, a collar with tags isn't in the cards for my big Carpet Hippopotamus.

Fuzzles, the biggest pro about microchipping is that it can't be removed like tags can be. It's placed underneath the skin and is less painful and quicker than tattooing your pet's ear (I shudder at the thought of having a needle near my pup's ear). Tattooing can cause scarring as well even though it's a unique code that's universal. Only one pet has that code. Personally, I prefer the microchip.

My greyhound was tattooed and when she ran away (she did twice), no animal shelter contacted us to tell us they had her though the tattoo was on her ear. Animal shelters may not look for a tattoo. They do all look for microchips. It's make me feel better knowing my Decker is microchipped and every shelter/veterinarian in my area does microchip identification if my Zena gets lost or runs away. She's 4 and hasn't had a problem with it at all.

remember if you microchip it is important to keep your contact information up to date with the agency.

I worked as a vet assistant at a local spca vet clinic for close to a year and we did HUNDREDS of microchips with no problems. Many of the animals didn't even notice when you microchipped them, the needle is in and out very quickly. And as I worked at an spca, our vet clinic also looked at all the "strays" that came in, and I can tell you we ran the microchip readers over all dogs and cats religiously several times, to check for owners. The biggest problem is making sure that your information is current with the microchip company so that they can contact you if your pet is ever lost and found.

I just adopted a cat who is microchipped. She is 10 weeks old, and I wasn't aware there were any real cons. Apparently she had no problem with it, and she doesn't seem to notice anything as it is. I think that the pros out weigh the cons...so at least if my fur baby gets lost, and goes to a pound or something, they can identify her. I still think that if they microchipped them with something like a GPS device, that would be MUCH more effective than microchipping and praying they make it to a pound/shelter.

I feel like microchipping is a good idea, even if there IS a small risk. My cat won't wear a collar, she slips them off within the first 24 hours of wearing it. We are about to take a very long trip and I'm hoping this will give me some peace of mind if something should happen to her.

Great job admins! I like your theme! Keep up doing good work!

Harbans Lal Gera - I know this is off topic but need help with Vista

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Harbans Lal Gera

Wazzup! Bored in class here, decided to introduce myself.
Umm so like does anyone know how to browse just about any site easily while at school?