Pet Microchipping Guide
A microchip could save your pet’s life. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is a Microchip?
A tiny computer chip (about the size of a grain of rice) implanted under your pet’s skin between shoulder blades.
How It Works
- Chip contains unique ID number
- Veterinarian implants with needle (like a shot)
- Chip is passive—no battery, no moving parts
- Shelter/vet scans chip to read number
- Number registered in database links to your contact info
Does It Hurt?
Similar to a vaccine injection. Most pets react the same as getting shots. Some don’t react at all.
Benefits Over Tags
- Can’t fall off or get lost
- Can’t be removed by collar theft
- Permanent form of ID
- Required for international travel
- Lifetime validity
Registration Is Critical
The chip is useless if not registered!
Register with:
- Microchip company (HomeAgain, AVID, etc.)
- Your information
- Keep updated when you move or change phone
Update registration every time contact info changes.
Limitations
- Requires scanner to read (most vets and shelters have them)
- Doesn’t provide real-time location (that’s GPS, different technology)
- Must be registered to work
What Happens When Found
- Pet taken to vet or shelter
- Staff scans for microchip
- Chip number retrieved
- Company contacted
- Company contacts registered owner
ISO Standard
Modern chips follow international standard and can be read by universal scanners.
When to Microchip
- Puppies and kittens (during spay/neuter or early)
- Rescue pets (upon adoption)
- Any pet without chip
Low-Cost Options
Many shelters offer microchipping for $10-25 during adoption events. Some towns host annual microchip clinics.
