Bringing home a new puppy or kitten is an exciting time. Amidst the whirlwind of toys, treats, and vet visits, one important step can get overlooked: microchipping. At Toptails Vet, we want new pet parents to know when and why microchipping should be part of your young pet’s early care plan.
Why Microchipping Your Pet Early Matters
Young pets are naturally curious and have a tendency to slip through doors, dig under fences, or wiggle free from collars. If they’re not microchipped and they get lost, it can be extremely difficult for someone to identify and return them to you, especially before they’ve had a chance to learn commands or respond to their name.
Microchipping provides a permanent ID that can’t be removed, lost, or damaged. It’s one of the first and best steps you can take to protect your new family member.
When Can Puppies and Kittens Be Microchipped?
Puppies and kittens can typically be microchipped as early as 6 to 8 weeks of age. Likely your pet will have a veterinary appointment scheduled around that time to begin their vaccinations. The timing can be coordinated with vaccines, wellness visits, or spay or neuter procedures. If you prefer to avoid discomfort for your pet during the microchip injection, microchipping can be performed while your pet is under anesthesia for a routine procedure (like spay and neuter).
After the chip is implanted, you will need to register your contact information with the chip’s online provider. Always keep this info up to date if you move or change phone numbers.
Does My Pet Need a Microchip if They are Indoor Only?
Even indoor-only pets should be microchipped. Puppies and kittens are fast, unpredictable, and can slip out through open doors, especially during visits from guests, emergencies, or transitions to new homes. Older cats that have only been indoors their whole lives can still get lost if they manage to get outside. Without a microchip, their chance of being identified and returned is drastically reduced. Having a microchip more than doubles your pet’s chance of being returned to you.
The Benefits of Early Microchipping
- Lifetime Identification: Chips don’t expire or require replacement.
- Greater Return Rates: Microchipped pets are far more likely to be reunited if lost.
- Convenience: One-time procedure, easy to bundle with other care visits.
- Peace of Mind: You’ve taken proactive steps to protect your newest family member.
Puppies and Kittens Should Be Microchipped
Microchipping is one of the simplest and most effective ways to keep your puppy or kitten safe from the start. Whether done during a routine exam or alongside a spay/neuter, it’s a small step with big benefits. Toptails Vet will help you protect your new pet with a safe and effective microchip. Have a new puppy or kitten? Schedule an appointment for microchipping or ask us about adding it to their upcoming procedure. We microchip young pets in Puyallup from areas including South Hill, Bonney Lake, Tacoma, Auburn, Graham, Tehaleh, and Lake Tapps.