A: A microchip is a small device about the size of a grain of rice that is easily implanted under the skin between the shoulder blades of your cat or dog. Most animal shelters and vet's offices have scanners that they wave over any stray animal to see if he has a microchip. If a microchip is present, a number appears on the scanner. The vet or shelter can then call a central database and find out who the microchip (and subsequently the animal) is registered to.

At the APS, as part of the adoption fee, we put a microchip in every animal that is adopted. We do this because every year we get in thousands of stray animals with no identification. A microchip is an easy way to provide identification for your pet. It is not perfect, however. If the owner moves or changes a phone number and doesn't update that information with the makers of the microchip, then the information that is saved can be outdated and useless. Rarely, a chip may be defective or move from the place it was implanted. For this reason a microchip should never be considered a substitute for a tag with your current contact information. Despite the amazing technology of a microchip, tags are still the most effective means of locating a pet's owners. For the sake of your pet, never think that a microchip alone is sufficient identification!

It's easy to be lulled into a sense of security when it comes to thinking your pet will not be lost. I can't say how many times, however, when speaking with owners of lost animals that when asked if their pet has proper ID the answer "No" or "Not yet, but if I find her I will do it then." Please do it now before it is too late!

So where can you get your pet microchipped? We recommend you get it done at your vet's office. The APS sometimes offers clinics where it is done. On Saturday our friends at the Affordable Animal Care Spay/Neuter Clinic in Durham will be offering microchipping for just $25 (which includes the $15 registration fee) during the APS Dog Wash fundraiser at Whole Foods Market in Durham from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The presence of a microchip really can offer some peace of mind to pet owners.