When pet owners think of microchipping, they often picture young puppies or kittens. But what about older pets? Many senior dogs and cats go their whole lives without a microchip, and that can be a big risk. At Family Veterinary Inc., we believe it’s never too late to protect your pet, no matter their age. Microchipping offers benefits that apply across a pet’s entire lifetime, and that includes their golden years.
Why Microchipping Is Still Important for Older Pets
Senior pets are just as likely to go missing as younger pets. Vision or hearing loss, cognitive changes, slower reflexes, or general confusion can all make it easier for them to wander off and harder for them to find their way home.
If your older pet gets lost, they may not respond to their name or familiar surroundings the way they once did. This makes visible ID (like a collar and tags) and a microchip even more essential. A quick scan could be the only way an animal shelter or veterinary clinic can reunite you. One study has even found that cats and dogs are more than twice as likely to be returned if they are microchipped.
All it takes is one incident. An unexpected gate left open, a door not fully shut, or a loud noise that spooks them. And with age-related issues, older pets may become disoriented more quickly than younger ones.
Is Microchipping Safe for Older Pets?
Yes. Microchipping is safe and appropriate for pets of any age. The pet microchip itself is small, sterile, and implanted under the skin with a single injection during a wellness visit. It does cause a moment of discomfort, more than a vaccine, due to the larger needle size. However, the procedure is quick and worth the momentary pain for a permanent ID.
What If My Senior Pet Has a Health Condition?
This is a fair concern from the owner of an older pet. Every cat and dog is unique, and veterinarians will consider your pet’s health status and temperament before recommending microchipping. In most cases, even pets with chronic conditions can be safely microchipped during a routine visit.
It doesn’t matter if your pet is 2 years old or 12. If they’re unchipped, they’re unprotected. And as pets age, their ability to navigate and survive if lost decreases. Microchipping gives your pet a safety net for an added layer of security in their most vulnerable years.
Get Your Senior Pet Microchipped in Los Angeles, CA
Your senior pet may be slower, calmer, and more predictable than they once were, but that doesn’t mean they’re immune to getting lost. Microchipping is a safe, fast, and affordable way to make sure they always have a way back home. Family Veterinary Inc. is committed to protecting pets at every age with mobile veterinary care, and microchipping is one of the most powerful tools we have. Is your senior dog or cat microchipped? If not, it’s not too late. Schedule a mobile vet appointment for pet microchipping in Sherman Oaks, Beverly Hills, Encino, Toluca Lake, Burbank, Studio City, North Hollywood, Van Nuys, Hollywood Hills, Pacific Palisades, and surrounding communities.