How to Microchip a Pet

A microchip is the most reliable permanent identification for your pet. Unlike collars and ID tags that can fall off or be removed, a microchip stays with your pet for life. Here's everything you need to know about pet microchipping — how it works, what to expect, and how to keep the registration current.

What Is a Pet Microchip?

A pet microchip is a tiny radio-frequency identification (RFID) device about the size of a grain of rice. It's implanted under your pet's skin — typically between the shoulder blades — using a needle, similar to a routine vaccination. The chip contains a unique identification number that can be read by a universal microchip scanner.

The microchip itself does not contain your contact information — it contains only the unique ID number. Your contact information is stored in a microchip registry database, which is linked to that ID number.

How Microchipping Works

1. A veterinarian or trained technician implants the microchip using a needle — no anesthesia required.
2. The chip is read by a scanner that emits a radio frequency, activating the chip to transmit its unique ID number.
3. The ID number is looked up in a microchip registry database to find the owner's contact information.
4. The owner is contacted and reunited with their pet.

Where to Get Your Pet Microchipped

• Veterinary clinic: The most common option. Your vet can microchip your pet during a routine visit.
• Animal shelter: Many shelters microchip pets at adoption.
• Low-cost microchip clinics: Many humane societies and pet stores offer low-cost microchipping events.
• Mobile veterinary services: Some mobile vets offer microchipping at home.

Cost: Microchipping typically costs $25–60 at a veterinary clinic. Low-cost clinics may charge $10–25.

What to Expect During the Procedure

• The procedure takes less than a minute.
• The needle is larger than a standard vaccination needle, but most pets show minimal reaction — similar to a routine shot.
• No anesthesia or sedation is required for healthy adult pets.
• Puppies and kittens can be microchipped as young as 8 weeks old.
• The chip is permanent — it does not need to be replaced or recharged.

Registering Your Microchip — The Critical Step

A microchip is only useful if it's registered with current contact information. This is the step many pet owners miss — the chip is implanted but never registered, or registered with outdated information.

1. Get the microchip ID number from your veterinarian at the time of implantation.
2. Register the chip in a microchip database. In the US, major registries include:
   • Found Animals Registry (free)
   • PetLink
   • HomeAgain
   • AKC Reunite
3. Register in multiple databases for maximum coverage — different shelters and vets use different scanners and databases.
4. Update your contact information immediately whenever you move or change phone numbers.

Checking Your Microchip Registration

Use the AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup tool (petmicrochiplookup.org) to verify your pet's chip is registered and your contact information is current. Do this annually.

Microchip vs. ID Tag: Use Both

Microchips and ID tags serve different purposes and work best together. A microchip provides permanent backup identification; an ID tag provides immediate, visible identification that any finder can use without a scanner.

👉 Recommended ID tag: GoTags Stainless Steel Pet ID Tags, Personalized, Engraved on Both Sides — durable stainless steel, engraved text won't fade, available in multiple shapes and sizes.

Final Thoughts

Microchipping is one of the most important investments you can make in your pet's safety. The procedure is quick, inexpensive, and permanent. The critical follow-up step — registering the chip and keeping contact information current — is what makes it effective. Check your registration annually and update it immediately whenever your contact information changes.