NYC.DOG

Keep Your Furry Friend Safe

Losing a pet in a big city like New York can be scary. Imagine your best pal slipping their leash during a walk in Central Park or dashing out the door when you're grabbing groceries. How would you find them again? Luckily, there's a simple way to help make sure your dog always has a way back home: micro-chipping.

Where to Get Your Dog Micro-chipped in NYC

Here are some places in each borough where you can get your dog micro-chipped. This is not an exhaustive list, and it's always a good idea to call ahead to confirm pricing and availability.

Manhattan:

• Westside Veterinary Center: Located on the Upper West Side. Call (212) 580-1800.
• Greenwich Village Animal Hospital: Located in the West Village. Call (212) 691-1100.
• Inwood Animal Clinic: Located in Upper Manhattan. Call (212) 304-8387.

Brooklyn:

• Animal Hospital of Brooklyn: Offers micro-chipping services.
• Clinton Hill Animal Clinic: Located in Brooklyn. Call (718) 623-3999.
• Marine Park Veterinary Group: Provides micro-chipping services.
• PAWSitive Veterinary: Offers micro-chipping with minimal discomfort.

Queens:

• Forest Hills Cat Hospital: (They microchip dogs too!) Located in Middle Village.
• Petopia Animal Clinic: Located in Flushing.
• ASPCA Community Veterinary Clinic: Located in Long Island City (eligibility requirements apply).

The Bronx:

• Bronx Veterinary Center: Uses the Home Again microchip system. Call 718-933-1002.
• Animal Hospital of Morris Park: Has been serving the Bronx for over 20 years.
• VIP Petcare at Wonder Pets: Located on White Plains Rd.

Staten Island:

• Northside Animal Hospital: Offers micro-chipping services with care and precision.
• Staten Island Animal Hospital (V.C.A.): Located on Willowbrook Road. Call 718-698-1400.
• Animal Health Veterinary Group: Two locations on Staten Island. Call (718) 448-3680.

Low-Cost Options:

• A.C.C. of NYC Community Pets Program: Offers free pop-up vaccine and microchip clinics in the Bronx and Queens.
• Low Cost Vet Mobile: Provides complete vet services at reduced rates, with locations in all five boroughs.
• Vetco Clinics: Low-cost vaccinations and micro-chipping at Petco locations.

What's a Microchip?

A microchip is a small chip, about the size of a grain of rice. It's like a permanent ID for your dog. A vet puts the chip under your dog's skin, between their shoulder blades. It's super quick, like getting a shot. Most dogs don't even feel it!

Each microchip has a special number that is only for your dog. This number is linked to your contact information in a safe database. So, if your dog gets lost and someone finds them, a vet or animal shelter can scan the microchip and find your information to call you.

How Does Micro-chipping Work?

• The Chip: The microchip itself doesn't have a battery and doesn't track your dog. It only "wakes up" when a scanner is nearby.
• The Scan: Animal shelters and vet offices have special scanners. They wave the scanner over your dog, and if there's a microchip, the scanner reads the special number.
• The Call Home: The vet or shelter calls the microchip company and gives them the number. The company uses the number to find your contact information and calls you to reunite you with your furry friend!

Why Microchip Your Dog?

• Always There: Unlike collars and tags, microchips can't fall off or be taken off.
• Fast Reunion: Microchips help lost dogs get back home quickly. Dogs with microchips are much more likely to be returned to their owners than dogs without them.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing your dog has a permanent ID gives you peace of mind.

Are There Any Things to Think About?

Micro-chipping is generally very safe. Some dogs might be a little sore where they got the shot for a day or two. Very rarely, there can be other issues, like the chip moving or a reaction to the chip. But these are not common. It's always a good idea to talk to your vet if you have any questions.

Important! Keep Your Information Updated

A microchip only works if your contact information is up-to-date! If you move or change your phone number, make sure to contact the microchip company and update your information.

Micro-chipping: A Small Step for Big Peace of Mind

Micro-chipping your dog is a simple and affordable way to give them a permanent ticket home. It's a loving way to protect your furry family member in case the unexpected happens. Talk to your vet today to learn more and get your dog micro-chipped!

Labels: dog health, dog wellness