Does PetSmart Microchip Dogs and Cats? An Expert Guide to Microchipping Your Pet
As a responsible pet owner, you want to do everything possible to keep your furry friend safe. One of the best ways to protect your pet is by having them microchipped. Microchipping vastly increases the chances of a lost pet being reunited with their owner.
If you‘re wondering whether PetSmart offers microchipping services for dogs and cats, you‘ve come to the right place. As an expert in retail and consumer services with over a decade of experience, I‘m here to provide you with the most comprehensive and up-to-date information on microchipping your pet at PetSmart. Let‘s dive in!
What is Microchipping and How Does it Work?
First, let‘s cover the basics. A microchip is a tiny, electronic chip enclosed in a glass cylinder about the size of a grain of rice. It is implanted beneath your pet‘s skin, usually between the shoulder blades.
Each microchip contains a unique identification number. When a lost pet is taken to an animal shelter or veterinarian, they can scan the microchip to read this ID number. The number is used to retrieve the owner‘s contact information from a pet recovery database, enabling the pet to be quickly reunited with their family.
It‘s important to understand that a microchip is not a GPS tracking device. It cannot tell you your pet‘s location. However, it serves as a permanent form of identification that can‘t fall off or be removed like a collar tag can.
Microchipping has helped reunite countless lost pets with their owners. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, dogs without microchips are returned to their owners only about 22% of the time, whereas microchipped dogs are reunited over 52% of the time. For cats, those numbers are nearly 2% without microchips and over 38% with microchips. Microchipping clearly makes a huge difference!
Microchipping Services for Dogs and Cats at PetSmart
Now that you know why microchipping is so important, you‘re probably wondering where you can get it done. PetSmart, the leading pet retailer with over 1,650 stores across the United States and Canada, offers microchipping services for both dogs and cats at most of its locations.
PetSmart itself does not perform the microchipping procedure. However, many PetSmart stores feature veterinary clinics operated by Banfield Pet Hospital. These in-store clinics are staffed by licensed veterinarians and veterinary technicians who can safely microchip your pet.
The microchipping process is simple, quick, and virtually painless for your pet. The microchip is injected under the skin using a hypodermic needle. No anesthesia is required, and the procedure only takes a few seconds. Most pets don‘t even react when the microchip is implanted.
HomeAgain Microchips Used at PetSmart‘s Banfield Clinics
When you get your pet microchipped at a Banfield clinic inside PetSmart, the veterinarian will use a HomeAgain microchip. HomeAgain is a leading provider of microchips and pet recovery services. Over 10 million pets are enrolled in HomeAgain‘s nationwide database.
HomeAgain microchips are ISO (International Standards Organization) compliant. This means they can be read by the microchip scanners at most veterinary offices and animal shelters worldwide. HomeAgain also offers additional services like 24/7 lost pet recovery support and free pet medical insurance for 30 days after enrollment.
How Much It Costs to Microchip a Dog or Cat at PetSmart
One of the most common questions pet owners have about microchipping is how much it will cost. PetSmart aims to make microchipping affordable and accessible for all pet owners.
The exact price of microchipping at PetSmart may vary slightly by location, but you can expect to pay around $25-$50 per pet. This is a one-time fee that covers the cost of the microchip implantation and your pet‘s initial registration in the HomeAgain database.
For dogs, microchipping typically costs between $35-$50. For cats, the price tends to be on the lower end at around $25-$35. These prices are very reasonable considering the lifetime of protection a microchip provides.
Some Banfield clinics may occasionally offer microchipping specials or discounts, especially during events like Pet ID Week. It‘s always worth asking about any current promotions when you schedule your appointment.
Finding a PetSmart Location That Microchips Pets
With so many PetSmart stores across the country, how do you find one that offers microchipping services? The easiest way is to use PetSmart‘s online store locator tool.
Simply visit PetSmart‘s website and navigate to their store locator page. Enter your zip code or city and state to see a list of nearby PetSmart locations. Look for stores that have a Banfield Pet Hospital located inside. You can click on individual store listings for more details about the specific services offered at each clinic.
If the store locator shows that your nearest PetSmart does not have a Banfield clinic onsite, don‘t worry. You can still call the store directly to ask if they offer any microchipping services or events. Some PetSmart locations occasionally host veterinary clinics or microchipping events even if they don‘t have a permanent Banfield hospital.
Once you‘ve found a PetSmart location that microchips pets, it‘s a good idea to call the clinic directly to inquire about appointment availability and pricing. Some clinics accept walk-ins for microchipping, while others require you to schedule an appointment in advance.
Other Costs and Considerations with Microchipping
While the upfront cost to microchip your pet at PetSmart is quite reasonable, there are a few other cost considerations to keep in mind.
After your pet is microchipped, you will need to keep your contact information up-to-date in the HomeAgain pet recovery database. This is a critical step to ensure your pet can be reunited with you if they ever get lost. HomeAgain charges a small annual fee (usually around $20) to maintain your pet‘s microchip registration.
Alternatively, you can pay a one-time fee of around $75 for a lifetime registration with HomeAgain. This eliminates the need for annual renewal payments and guarantees your pet‘s microchip registration will remain active for their entire life.
It‘s also important to note that while microchipping is an important part of pet identification, it doesn‘t replace the need for a collar tag or pet license. Experts recommend using a microchip in addition to visual ID tags, not as a replacement.
A microchip serves as a permanent backup in case your pet‘s collar or tags fall off or are removed. However, a collar tag with your contact information allows your pet to be quickly returned to you by anyone who finds them, even if they don‘t have access to a microchip scanner.
Why Microchipping is Worth the Cost
Considering all the benefits of microchipping, the procedure is well worth the cost for most pet owners. The one-time implantation fee and low annual database maintenance cost provide you with invaluable peace of mind.
No one ever expects their pet to get lost, but accidents happen. A curious dog might dig under a fence, a mischievous cat could slip out an open door, or a frightened pet might bolt during a thunderstorm or fireworks display. Natural disasters like wildfires, hurricanes, or earthquakes can also separate pets from their families.
A microchip significantly increases your chances of being reunited with your pet if they ever go missing. Many heartbroken pet owners have been overjoyed to receive a call from a shelter or veterinarian saying their lost cat or dog has been found thanks to a microchip scan.
Microchipping can also serve as proof of ownership if your pet is ever stolen. While a microchip can‘t physically prevent pet theft, it does provide a permanent record of your pet‘s identity that can‘t be altered or removed like tags or tattoos.
Ultimately, microchipping is a key component of responsible pet ownership. It‘s a simple, affordable way to give your pet a lifetime of protection and yourself invaluable peace of mind.
Microchipping Alternatives to PetSmart
While PetSmart is a convenient and affordable option for microchipping, it‘s not the only choice. If you don‘t have a PetSmart with a Banfield clinic near you, or if you simply prefer to go elsewhere, you have a few other options.
Many veterinary offices, animal hospitals, and animal shelters offer microchipping services. Prices and procedures may vary, so it‘s always a good idea to call ahead and ask for details.
Some pet stores other than PetSmart, such as Petco, also offer in-store microchipping clinics. These clinics are typically hosted by a third-party veterinary service provider on a periodic basis. Check with your local pet stores to see if and when they offer microchipping clinics.
Mobile veterinary clinics and pop-up community pet health events are another option. These events often provide low-cost microchipping along with other preventive care services like vaccinations and nail trimming. Keep an eye out for flyers or social media announcements about upcoming pet health clinics in your area.
Remember, no matter where you go for microchipping, the procedure itself is quick, simple, and virtually painless for your pet. The most important thing is getting it done to ensure your furry friend has lifelong protection.
Conclusion
To recap, PetSmart does indeed offer microchipping services for dogs and cats through its in-store Banfield Pet Hospital clinics. The microchipping procedure is simple, fast, and affordable, typically costing between $25-$50 per pet.
Microchipping is a safe, effective way to permanently identify your pet and greatly increase your chances of reunion if they ever get lost. It‘s an essential part of responsible pet ownership that every cat and dog parent should consider.
Whether you choose to microchip your pet at PetSmart or another reputable provider, you can rest assured you‘re giving your beloved companion the gift of lifelong protection. And for yourself, you‘re gaining invaluable peace of mind knowing you‘ve taken an important step to keep your furry family member safe.
So don‘t wait – schedule your pet‘s microchipping appointment at PetSmart or your preferred provider today! A few seconds of mild discomfort for your pet is well worth the lifetime of protection they‘ll receive.
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