Microchipping Information

 Microchipping your pet can provide several benefits, helping ensure their safety and well-being. While not currently mandated by City Ordinance, the City of Lago Vista and the Animal Control Division highly recommend microchipping your pets for the following reasons:

1. Permanent identification: Unlike collars and tags, which can be lost or removed, a microchip provides a permanent form of identification for your pet. It consists of a tiny, passive device about the size of a grain of rice that is inserted under your pet's skin.

2. Reunification: If your pet ever gets lost or goes missing, a microchip can greatly increase the chances of being reunited with them. When a lost pet is found and taken to a shelter or veterinarian, they can use a microchip scanner to read the unique identification number stored on the chip. This number is linked to your contact information in a pet database, allowing the facility to contact you and return your pet.

3. Proof of ownership: In cases of disputes over pet ownership, a microchip can serve as clear proof of ownership, as it is registered under your name and contact details.

4. Prevention of theft: While a microchip won't deter thieves, it can make it more difficult for someone to resell a stolen pet or falsely claim ownership. If the microchip is checked by a veterinarian or animal shelter, the true owner can be identified.

5. Medical history and records: Some microchip databases allow you to store your pet's medical history and records. This can be helpful for veterinarians to access essential information about your pet's health and vaccinations.

6. Peace of mind: Microchipping provides pet owners with peace of mind, knowing that if their pet is lost or separated, there is a reliable way to reunite with them.

It's important to note that while microchipping is a valuable tool for pet identification and reunification, it should not be a replacement for other forms of identification like collars with ID tags. A combination of both microchipping and visible ID tags provides the best chance of finding a lost pet and ensuring their safe return. Additionally, it's crucial to keep your contact information up to date in the microchip database to ensure its effectiveness.