Thousands of pets and livestock go missing each year — that includes horses. Microchips are cost-effective, electronic devices the size of a grain of rice that help combat this problem and can improve the health and welfare of your horse.

 

In Southern Oregon and Northern California, microchips can be especially helpful during fire season when your horse gets loose. You can find out how to prepare your stable for fire season by using UC Davis’s evacuation checklist.

 

Microchips are easily implanted with minimal discomfort into the horse's nuchal ligament (just below the base of the mane) halfway between the horse's poll and withers. It's like a VIN (vehicle identification number) for your individual horse that will help return your loved one to you. Many animals look similar and this identifies your ownership over another person. .

 

Some of the benefits of microchipping include:

 

• Aiding in recovery during disasters and with theft. 

• Providing  accuracy at competitions and preventing fraud. Many horse registries and show organizers have started requiring that participating horses be microchipped to ensure that the horses' ID, age and past participation are accurate.

• They provide traceability in the event of a disease outbreak.

• They aid in identification for sales documentation and transfers.

 

According to the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), as of January 2017, the Jockey Club requires all Thoroughbred foals be microchipped.  And as of December 1, 2017, all horses competing in the U.S. Equestrian Federation-licensed and/or U.S. Hunter Jumper Association-sanctioned competitions with hunter-jumper seat equitation classes must be microchipped.

 

To schedule your horse’s microchipping appointment, please call or text us at 541-636-1191.