Microchipping could save your pets life

Let's face it, losing a family pet can be an agonizing experience. No matter how careful some pet owners often are, the unexpected can happen: Pets bolting out of front doors or even running away. According to veterinarians, ensuring pets have the proper I.D. tags and implanted microchips offer the best, and sometimes only, chance for a happy reunion.

"I'm an advocate for microchipping," says Debra Draper, DVM, medical director at Cypress Creek Animal Hospital in Lutz. "It's a permanent, identifiable marker as long as owners keep information up-to-date in the database and provide alternate contact numbers."

A microchip is about the size of a grain of rice and acts as a transponder. It's inserted between a pet's shoulder blades using a needle-a procedure similar to vaccination. "Your pet feels only minor discomfort," Draper continues. "It's completely safe and can be administered by your veterinarian."

The procedure takes minutes and costs $30 to $55 at veterinary clinics.

Debra Draper, DVM is the medical director at Cypress Creek Animal Hospital at 25227 Wesley Chapel Blvd in Lutz. www.cypresscreekah.com