If your cherished pet has recently passed and you’re considering cremation https://www.petashes.com/post/8-things-to-look-for-when-choosing-a-pet-cremation-service , you may be wondering what happens to their microchip. Do you or your veterinarian have to remove it? What actually happens to the microchip during the cremation process?
Many pet owners have these same questions when their beloved pet dies. Here are some answers to ease your mind:
Does a microchip need to be removed after a pet dies?
Neither you, nor your veterinarian, need to do anything with your pet’s microchip after it passes. Microchips are not salvageable, as they can’t be reused and aren’t useful for anything at this point. And because there are no batteries, mechanisms or moving parts, and it’s so small, there’s no need to be concerned about recycling.
Does a microchip need to be removed before a pet is cremated?
Again, there’s no need to remove the microchip, even before cremation. Basically, it’s a single use item that should be cremated along with your pet.
What happens to the microchip when a pet is cremated?
Basically, the microchip, roughly the size of a grain of rice, gets cremated along with the rest of your pet’s remains. After the cremation process is completed, only bone fragments are left. All of the liquid and carbon has been burned off. The microchip, embedded just under your pet’s skin, is dissolved during the process.
If, however, your pet has any metal parts within their body, such as plates or screws from past surgeries, they’ll be separated and removed from the remains after cremation. The reason metal parts may be left intact is that some materials don’t melt down during the cremation process.
As you can see, it’s best to let your pet’s microchip go with them to their final destination. There’s no need to worry about it anymore. Then, once you receive you pet’s ashes back, you can focus on memorializing your pet however you feel comfortable. And there are many options to keep your much-loved pet close to you. From pet ash urns to pet ash jewelry https://www.petashes.com/post/trends-in-pet-ash-jewelry-and-keepsakes , it’s your choice how you wish to memorialize your pet.
Want to know more about microchipping your pet?
Statistics show us that one in three pets get lost at some point in their lives. That’s a frightening percentage. And it’s really the reason why pet owners choose to microchip their pet.
The good news is that pets with microchips are up to 20 times more likely to be reunited with their owners. Add to that the simplicity of the procedure, its relatively low cost, and minimal risks, and you can see why microchipping is so popular.
What Is a Microchip?
Roughly the size of a grain of rice, a microchip is a radio-frequency identification transponder that carries a unique identification number. So, when the microchip is scanned by a shelter or veterinarian, it transmits a unique ID number that lets them know who the pet belongs to. It’s quite a tiny and simple device, with no batteries, moving parts or power required.
How does a microchip get implanted in a pet?
No more invasive than a vaccination, the microchip is injected under the loose skin between your pet’s shoulder blades. It can be done right in your veterinarian’s office.
What does the pet owner need to do?
It is very important that the pet owner complete the final step – registration. The unique identifier in the chip won’t do any good unless the owner registers it with a national pet recovery database. Owners should use a recovery service that has access to a large number of different microchip databases and technology, like AKC Reunite https://www.akcreunite.org/ . It’s a member of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Look Up, giving it access to hundreds of registries’ databases. AKC Reunite https://www.akcreunite.org/ even provides a Lost Pet Alert that broadcasts a pet’s information to a network of veterinarians, shelters, and volunteers in your area.
A good rule-of-thumb when you register your pet’s microchip, is to include all relevant contact information. For instance, include both your cell and your landline numbers, as well as the numbers for other family members and friends. You wouldn’t want to miss a call letting you know your much-loved pet has been found. And of course, keep your information up to date when you move or change numbers.
Is a microchip a GPS Tracking Device?
This is a very common misconception. A Microchip is not a GPS Tracking Device. They’re complementary tools used to locate a lost pet in different ways. A GPS can tell you where your pet is geographically, but can’t provide your contact information to those who could help return it home. GPS Tracking Devices also require batteries, and like a collar, can fall off and be lost. Microchips, on the other hand, because they’re implanted, are permanent and can’t be lost. And while microchips can’t provide your pet’s geographic location, they do provide a way for you to be contacted, by almost any veterinarian or shelter you pet may be at.
