Pet Microchipping FAQ

Microchipping your pet is one of the most important things you can do to prepare in the event that they get lost or stolen.

When a lost animal is found, it will oftentimes be taken to an animal shelter or veterinary clinic, where it will be promptly scanned for a microchip. If one is found, and if the information in the registry is accurate and up to date, the animal’s owner can quickly be found. For the month of June, we are offering 20% off of Microchipping for all pets (bringing the cost down from $65 to $52) in celebration of National Pet Microchipping Month! Give us a call today or schedule an appointment online at: https://petmedic.vet/schedule-an-appointment/ .

What is a microchip?

A microchip is a small, electronic chip that is about the same size as a grain of rice. Also known as a transponder, the microchip itself doesn’t have a battery, but is activated by a scanner that is passed over the area. The radio waves put out by the scanner then activate the chip. The chip transmits the identification number to the scanner, which displays that number on the screen.

Please note that the microchip identification number must be registered to a pet owner so that when a scanner reads the number, we can determine who the pet belongs to. The microchip itself does not store any contact information.

How is it implanted?

Using a hypodermic needle, the microchip is injected under the skin, between the shoulder blades on the pet’s back.

How long does it take?

The process is super quick – a microchip can easily be implanted during a routine veterinary visit. It can be painful for some pets, which is why if your pet will be undergoing anesthesia for any reason, we always recommend getting them microchipped while they’re under as well.

Does it require surgery or anesthesia?

No surgery or anesthesia is required. However, if your pet is already under anesthesia for a procedure, such as neutering, spaying or dental cleaning, the microchip can often be implanted while they’re still under.

Will it store my pet’s medical information?

Presently, microchips for pets only contain identification numbers. They don’t act like GPS devices and cannot track your pet’s location if they get lost. Although they don’t track or store your pet’s medical information, certain microchip registration databases will allow you to store that information in the database for quick reference. 

You just have to register the microchip with a company who maintains one of these databases. See our list below of top pet microchip registries.

Will a microchip really make it more likely for me to get my pet back if lost?

YES! Owners of lost dogs and cats with microchips are reunited over 73% of the time, whereas pets without microchips were only returned roughly 22% of the time. For microchipped animals that weren’t returned, inaccurate or out of date microchip registry contact information was one of the primary factors so make sure your information stays updated. 

My pet has identification tags and rabies tags. Do I still need a microchip?

Identification tags and rabies tags cannot replace a microchip, and vice versa. Microchips are a great permanent solution for tamper-proof identification, but nothing can replace a collar with up-to-date identification information. 

If your pet is lost, checking their collar for owner contact information is the quickest and easiest solution, but if they aren’t wearing a collar at the time or if the contact information is out of date, then the presence of a microchip might be the only way the pet owner’s can be found. 

Your pet should always have a rabies tag on their collar, so people can quickly see that your pet has been vaccinated against the deadly disease. Rabies tag numbers also allow tracing of animals and identification of a lost animal’s owner, but it can be difficult to have this number traced once the veterinary clinic has been closed for the day. The microchip databases are online or can be reached through telephone 24/7/365.

I just adopted a pet from the animal shelter. Is it microchipped? How can I find out?

Certain shelters will implant microchips into every animal they adopt out, so check with the shelter and find out if your pet is already microchipped. If so, you’ll want to get that microchip number registered in your name and with your information. If the shelter scanned the animal, they will be able to easily tell you if it is microchipped. 

Most veterinary hospitals have microchip scanners, and your veterinarian can scan your new pet for a microchip when you take them for their checkup as well. Microchips also show up on x-rays, so that can be another way to detect them.

Why should I microchip my animals?

The best reason you should have your pets microchipped is the improved chance of them being reunited with you should they become lost or stolen.

I want to get my animals microchipped. Where do I go?
  • Every pet has individual needs, that’s why our wellness plans are fully customizable. However, we do offer standard packages depending on the age of your pet. Our puppy plans include everything needed for their first year of life including, spay/neutering, all vaccines, microchipping, heartworm and fecal testing, unlimited exams, and more! We also offer adult canine and feline plans that include. To learn more, please visit our Wellness Plans page.
I want to get my animals microchipped. Where do I go?

To your local veterinarian. The majority of vet clinics will have microchips on hand, so it’s likely that your pet will be implanted with a microchip the same day as your appointment. Sometimes, local animal shelters or businesses will host microchipping events as well, such as in June, which is National Microchipping Month.

Pet Microchipping Registries

Chip Registry

Basic Registration

Basic Services

Premium Registration

Premium Services

Extras

24 Pet Watch

Free through shelter adoption

Call center

$94.94 lifetime, $29.95 first year, $19.95 each additional year 

Petco and Rover coupons, veterinary hotline

Pet Insurance

ACA MARRS

$19.95 lifetime

Call center

n/a

n/a

AKC Reunite

$19.50 lifetime

Call center

n/a

n/a

Pet disaster relief program, engraved tags and collars, leashes

BeKind PetFind

$24.95 first pet, $14.95 each additional

Call center

n/a

n/a

Also registers bird bands, tattoos, license and rabies tags

Found Animals

Free lifetime registration and transfer

Call center, Found pet alert

n/a

n/a

Shelter initiatives including adoption, spay/neuter, and increasing owner reunion

Furreka

Free lifetime

Call center

n/a

n/a

Home Again

$19.99

Call center

$21.99 annually

Transport assistance for found pet, pet insurance discount, veterinary hotline, lost pet alerts

microchip activated pet doors and feeders

Homeward Bound Pet

$20 lifetime

Call center

n/a

n/a

Microchip ID Systems/ BuddyID

$24.95 lifetime

Call center, discounted pet insurance, Safe Places™ 

n/a

n/a

Special registry horses including LifeTrac™, Safe Places™ alert system 

Nanochip ID Inc./ FetchID

$19.99 annually

Call center, veterinary bill coverage, found pet transportation assistance

n/a

n/a

National Animal Identification Center

$15 lifetime

Call center

n/a

n/a

Pet Key

$45 lifetime $19.99 annually 

Call center, lost pet alerts

$65 – $151 lifetime

ID card, tag, collar, and leash

Save This Life

Free

Call center

$19.99 – $39.99 annually

Lost pet alerts, pet insurance, Google search with GPS mapping

Ability to search the microchip number via Google, finder’s information including GPS map sent to owner 

SmartTag Microchip

Free lifetime 

Lost pet alerts, pet insurance, poison hotline

$6.95+ annually

Live lost pet assistance, lost pet reward 

Microchip number can be searched via Google 

New Patients Welcome

PetMedic Hospitals is accepting new patients! Our experienced veterinary team is passionate about the health of cats and dogs in our community, and we have four amazing facilities to choose from. Book your pet’s first appointment today.

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