Weighing animals is extremely important as it’s one way to determine if they’re healthy or not. Comparing an animal’s individual weight to a set median cannot only help determine its weight but its species and state at the time. It also allows caretakers to determine the amount of food, water, medicine and exercise the animals should receive as well. However, there is much more to weighing animals than just having them step on a scale.

How Do You Weigh Animals?

The number one thing you may not know about weighing and is exactly how do you weigh animals? While some animals are tranquilized and put on weighing scales once they’re not moving. (Would you like to be the person holding the salmon over the scale to lure the bear?)  Many animals are fully conscious but not always cooperative. This is where dynamic weighing can be used. How does dynamic weighing account for excited dogs or naughty monkeys? The scale works out an average weight based on the force exerted by the animal over an extended period of time. Once the internal calculation is completed by the scale, it will hold the value this way. Even if the animal fidgets or moves around, it can easily be weighed.

Tough & Versatile Scales are a Must

The number two thing you may not know is you need a tough and versatile scale. You probably already know this but depending on what you’re trying to weigh, you need a tough and well designed scale. Whether you’re in a laboratory weighing small rodents or a vet who only deals with family pets. You need robust animal weighing scales. Often you need a scale that can be easily cleaned and has little to no exposed cables that can be ripped out. Stainless steel scales are rust resistant and easy to wipe down. Usually the pan can be removed so that any dirt that may have accumulated can be cleaned. A zoo or farm might have to weigh animals who live in a variety of habitats. And of course, a scale may need to be moved around within a vet’s office, a zoo or may need to be carried by a mobile groomer. Bringing a scale to various places is made easier with a portable scale. Portable scales that require batteries can be used virtually anywhere. Continue reading →