Our veterinarian near the Tri-state offers microchipping for your horse.
What Is a Microchip?
Microchip is a tiny electronic device that is injected into the left side of your horse’s neck. It’s only about as big as a grain of rice. Microchipping will help identify your horse. Increasingly, major equine registries and organizations are mandating horses be microchipped with 15-digit International Organization of Standardization (ISO) chips for identification purposes. The FEI (Fédération Equestre Internationale ), all thoroughbred foals born in 2017 and later must be microchipped to register in The Jockey Club. USEF (United States Equestrian Federation) and USHJA (United States Hunter Jumper Association ) events, as well as the Thoroughbred Makeover, must have one. Western disciplines don’t yet mandate microchipping, but organizations such as the American Quarter Horse Association are encouraging it through educational and pilot programs.
Is Microchipping Safe?
Microchips do not need a power source and contain no moving parts, so they are safe to stay in your horse for a lifetime. They are made from a material that is compatible with an animal’s body, so any discomfort or rejection is very rare. Over time, the microchip may migrate. So when scanning for a microchip, you may have to scan the entire neck
What to Expect at a Microchipping Appointment
If you wish to have your horse microchipped, simply ask about it at your next appointment. The procedure is simple. Dr. McGaughran will inject the microchip using a sterile syringe into the left side of your horse’s neck under the mane. The procedure is quick and causes minimal discomfort, just like a vaccination.
Once your horse is microchipped, you will receive paperwork that tells you how to register the microchip. Registering is very important because that is how your information gets put on to the microchip. If you don’t register the microchip, it is worthless.
Also, you will need to keep this information so you can change your contact information if you move or get a new phone number. Up-to-date information is critical to making sure you protect your horse with your microchip.
What Happens if Your Horse Gets Lost?
If your horse is lost and your microchip information is up-to-date, the scanner will find your contact information and our staff can give you a call. You are able to collect your horse and return him or her home safely.
Microchipping your horse is a simple solution to add a layer of protection in case your horse is lost.
