Why should you microchip your pet? Have you ever left your door open just for a moment?

Pets can be fast and microchips can significantly increase your chances of being reunited with your pet should they sneak off.

The American Humane Association estimates that over 10 million dogs and cats are lost or stolen in the U.S. every year. The Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association acknowledges that microchipped pets have a higher rate of return to their families and stress the importance of registering the chips.

Veterinarians across the country encourage microchipping your pets. They can help provide your pet with this safety feature with no anesthesia required. Microchips are the size of a grain of rice and the procedure is similar to a routine vaccination. The chip is injected under the skin and, unlike any traditional collar tags, microchips are designed to last the lifetime of your pets'. Microchips can move from their original injected location but will remain active and can be read by scanners.

Here are the steps to take to register your pets' microchip:

1. Obtain the microchip number and the microchip type/brand.
2. Enter your contact information with the Registry noted on the paperwork you received. It is very important to update your information if you are moving or have moved and have a new address. Some registries are universal while others are limited to a specific brand of microchip. Some charge to register while others are completely free so be sure to check your specific brand for any costs associated with the registry service.

There you have it, two simple steps that will ensure that your pets' can be identified and returned safely to you should you become separated.