Get Your Fur Baby Micro-chipped This Weekend And Keep Them Safe

If you've ever wondered whether or not micro-chipping your dog or cat is a good idea, please allow me to share my humble opinion. *ahem* DOOOOOOO IIITTTTTT.

Seriously, if you've ever been in the nightmarish situation of being separated from your beloved lost friend, it is some comfort knowing that if some kind soul finds them and brings them to a local veterinarian, they will be scanned to see if there's a microchip that will allow them to reunited with their human parents.

Worried if it's safe? Dog psychologist Cesar Millan has done his research and shares his findings here. UK veternarian Pete Wedderburn shares his opinion with The Telegraph:

"People should be no more afraid of microchipping their pets than they are of using toasters in their kitchens."

OK, but are there any potential side effects? The general consensus is that it is safe. However, in extremely rare cases there can be some side effects such as hair loss, temporary bleeding, or microchip migration. According to www.cuteness.com writer Naomi Willburn, "the vast majority of dogs experience minimal or zero side effects from the implantation process."

In my opinion, the alternative is much more grim.

If you're ready to take the next step, the SPCA of East Texas will be holding a SNIPPET clinic Saturday, March 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Natural Grocers in Tyler. You can get your dog or cat micro-chipped for the uber low cost of $5. They'll also be offering Rabies vaccinations for $10. That's not very expensive for peace of mind.

Note: All cats must be in a carrier and dogs need to be on a leash to attend.