Adding a new puppy or kitten to your family is full of milestones: vaccines, first baths, housetraining, and lots of cuddles. But one of the most important (and often overlooked) steps in early pet care is microchipping. At East Holland Veterinary Clinic, we recommend thinking about microchipping early in your pet’s life to provide lifelong protection from getting lost.
Why Microchipping Matters for Puppies and Kittens
Young pets are curious, quick, and not always predictable. They can squeeze through small gaps in fences, slip out of collars, or dart through open doors before you even notice. If they go missing, they may not yet respond to their name or know their way home, especially if they haven’t bonded fully with their environment or family.
Pet microchipping is a one-time procedure that gives puppies and kittens a permanent ID that can help animal shelters and veterinary clinics return them to you quickly and safely.
When Can Puppies and Kittens Be Microchipped?
Puppies and kittens are typically microchipped as early as 6 to 8 weeks of age. An ideal time for microchipping is:
- During a wellness appointment for vaccinations
- At the time of a spay or neuter surgery
- If you’re planning to travel with your new pet
Microchipping involves inserting a small chip under the skin using a larger-gauge needle than those used for vaccines. It causes a brief moment of pain (more than a vaccine), but is still well worth getting for your young pet.
If you’d prefer to avoid any pain at all, pet microchipping can be performed while your young companion is under anesthesia during their spay or neuter. This is a popular option for pet owners looking to keep the experience as stress-free as possible.
Don’t Forget to Register Your Pet’s Chip
The microchip itself doesn’t store your contact info; it only contains a unique ID number. After your puppy or kitten is chipped, make sure to talk to your veterinarian about the process of registering your contact information along with the microchip number in a national pet recovery database. Always update your info if you change addresses or phone numbers.
Benefits of Early Microchipping For Young Pets
- Permanent Protection: A microchip lasts a lifetime and can’t be removed or altered.
- Increased Return Rates: Microchipped pets are about twice as likely to be reunited if lost.
- Added Peace of Mind: Especially helpful during leash learning phases.
- Support for Adoption and Travel: Many rescues, airlines, and municipalities require microchipping.
- One Less Thing to Worry About: Get your pet microchipped early and never worry about it again.
Safety for Puppies and Kittens with Pet Microchipping in Holland, MI
The earlier you microchip your puppy or kitten, the better. It’s a simple step that provides protection throughout their entire life. At East Holland Veterinary Clinic, we will guide you through the process and ensure your new companion gets the best start possible with the safety net they need. Schedule an appointment to get your pet microchipped. Our veterinary clinic serves Holland, MI, and the greater West Michigan area, including Zeeland and Saugatuck.