Microchipping: Your Pet’s Permanent ID

The most common reason a lost pet is never reunited with its owner is a lack of permanent identification. At Hamilton Crossing Animal Hospital, we strongly believe that microchipping is the single most important tool for ensuring your dog or cat finds their way home quickly and safely.

We offer reliable microchipping services through HomeAgain, one of the industry's most trusted and comprehensive pet recovery services.

What is a Microchip?

A microchip is a tiny, rice-sized transponder that contains a unique identification number. It is not a GPS tracking device.

  • The Procedure: The microchip is implanted quickly and easily beneath your pet's skin, typically between the shoulder blades, using a sterile needle—similar to a routine vaccination. It can often be done during a routine wellness exam or while your pet is already under anesthesia for a spay/neuter or dental procedure.

  • How it Works: The chip remains inert until a handheld scanner (used by virtually all veterinary clinics, shelters, and animal control agencies) passes over the area. The scanner reads the unique ID number, which is then entered into a national database to retrieve your contact information.

Why Microchipping is Crucial

  • Permanent, Tamper-Proof ID: Unlike collars and tags, which can break, fall off, or be intentionally removed, a microchip is a permanent form of identification that cannot be lost.

  • Speedy Reunions: When a stray pet with a microchip is scanned, the process of locating the owner is often immediate. This significantly reduces the amount of time your pet spends in a stressful shelter environment.

  • Proof of Ownership: In cases of dispute, the microchip registration can serve as definitive proof of ownership.

The HomeAgain Advantage

When you choose HomeAgain microchipping at Hamilton Crossing Animal Hospital, you are choosing a comprehensive system designed to maximize the chances of a reunion:

  • National Database Registration: Your pet's unique chip number is immediately registered in the HomeAgain national database, which is accessible 24/7.

  • Pet Recovery Network: HomeAgain offers an extensive network and recovery system, including sending out Lost Pet Alerts to veterinarians and shelters in the area where your pet was lost.

  • Lifetime Enrollment: Once you register your pet with HomeAgain, your enrollment is for their lifetime.

Microchipping is the best gift you can give your pet for their safety. We highly recommend microchipping all dogs and cats, even those kept strictly indoors.