All
  • All
  • Products
  • Articles
  • Videos
  • Galleries
  • Conversations
  • Social

microchip

Register For HomeAgain Microchips
Back to School

Back on Track: Don't Forget to Register Those Microchips

Though a bit controversial to some pet owners, my pooch has his very own microchip in addition to a regular ID tag with his name and my number.
by

Though a bit controversial to some pet owners, my pooch has his very own microchip in addition to a regular ID tag with his name and my number. I was responsible enough to set North up with HomeAgain, but did I update my address after our move in June? Umm, no. Oops. Then, this sad case over on Fully Vetted reminded me that not only was my oversight common, some people don't realize that simply getting fitted isn't enough — it needs to be registered online with your contact info for the whole home again part to work!

Sure, North's microchip still had my current phone number and email address so, in reality, not a huge deal, but let this be a reminder to all of you. Take a minute and log in to the website for your pet's ID service and make sure it has your most recent address, phone number, and email on file. Better to be safe now, than to be sorry later!

Source: Flickr User mikebaird

I Need Your Help . . . Discuss Pros and Cons of Microchipping
Advice

I Need Your Help . . . Discuss Pros and Cons of Microchipping

While I'm a big advocate of microchipping, some owners worry about the risks of injecting this foreign object into a pet's body .
by

While I'm a big advocate of microchipping, some owners worry about the risks of injecting this foreign object into a pet's body . . . especially animals with existing health problems. There have been some cases where chip implants have been linked to malignant tumors so the whole concept is up for debate.

And that's what I'm calling for here. Fuzzles writes in about her smooshy Persian, Oliver:

The post about licensing really got me wondering about microchipping. I know that this is the thing to do, but I have a problem introducing something foreign into my cat's body, particularly with Oliver's medical issues. Yet again, I am conflicted as I realize that things happen beyond our control and can see that microchipping could be very helpful. Can we put the topic up for discussion? I would love to hear views from all sides.

Please share your thoughts in the comments below!

Enzo's HomeAgain with Vanessa Williams
Cats

Enzo's HomeAgain with Vanessa Williams

When Vanessa Williams' pooch, Enzo, went missing this summer, he was found two weeks later and a state away thanks to his microchip!
by

When Vanessa Williams' pooch, Enzo, went missing this summer, he was found two weeks later and a state away thanks to his microchip! After this happy return, the actress decided to join forces with HomeAgain to announce Bring Pets Home, a nationwide campaign to microchip and enroll two million pets by the end of the year. I strongly encourage all dog and cat owners to get their pets fitted with a microchip, in addition to providing ID tags with current addresses and phone numbers. It's only a small price to pay – North got fitted with his HomeAgain tag for only $39!

View 7 Photos ›

Wanna see more pics of Vanessa and Enzo, read more

Bare Bones: Microchipping vs. Tattooing
Cats

Bare Bones: Microchipping vs. Tattooing

I'm lucky to have never lost a pet, but I can't even imagine how I would cope if it happened to me.
by

I'm lucky to have never lost a pet, but I can't even imagine how I would cope if it happened to me. Microchips and tattoos provide an extra level of protection if a pet becomes separated from you, and from his collar and tags. Providing tags and a microchip or tattoo can help ID him if he is turned in. Both procedures typically cost around $45.

You'll remember, I'm a strong supporter of ID tags – for us pet owners, microchips and tattoos are common knowledge, but those who do not have pets may not even know that these exist. In the chance that your dog escapes, but that his collar remains on, I believe ID tags are the first step in recovery. However, I am equally committed to this additional step of protection.

Want to learn about the differences, click here to read more