A microchip is a tiny chip, about the size of a grain of rice, placed under your pet's skin with a quick injection. If your pet is ever lost, a shelter or veterinary office can scan the chip and use its number to reach you.

Microchipping can be done during a routine visit or while your pet is under anesthesia for a spay or neuter. Once your pet is chipped, remember to register the chip and keep your contact details up to date.

What to Expect When Your Pet Is Microchipped

Microchipping is quick and usually takes just a moment. The chip is placed under the skin between the shoulder blades using a needle slightly larger than one used for vaccines. Most pets react about the same as they would to a routine shot, and no anesthesia is needed if your pet is awake. Afterward, the chip is scanned to make sure it reads correctly.

Your pet can go about their normal day right away. The chip has no battery or moving parts, so it is designed to last for life. Your vet may scan the chip at future visits to confirm it is still working and in place.

Keeping Your Pet's Microchip Information Up to Date

A microchip only helps if the number links to current contact information. Many lost pets are found with chips that were never registered or that list an old phone number. If you adopted a pet who was already chipped, make sure the chip has been transferred to your name. A few simple habits make a big difference:

  • Register the chip with the registry right after it is placed
  • Update your phone number and address whenever they change
  • Add a backup contact, such as a family member or friend
  • Ask us to scan the chip during annual visits
  • Keep a collar and ID tag on your pet as an extra layer of protection

Questions about Microchips?

Call us or book an appointment online, and our team will help you decide on the next step for your pet.

Microchips: Frequently Asked Questions

Does microchipping hurt my pet?
Most pets feel only a brief pinch, similar to a vaccine, and many barely notice. Some owners choose to have the chip placed while their pet is under anesthesia for a spay, neuter or dental procedure, though this is not required.
Is a microchip a GPS tracker?
No. A microchip does not track your pet's location. It holds an ID number that can be read by a scanner. When a lost pet is scanned at a shelter or vet office, the number is used to look up your contact information in a registry.
Should indoor cats be microchipped?
Yes. Indoor cats can slip out through an open door or window, and they often have no collar or ID tag. A microchip gives them a permanent form of identification that greatly improves the chance of getting them home if they get lost.
Can a microchip move or stop working?
Chips usually stay where they are placed, though they can occasionally shift slightly under the skin. Failures are uncommon. Having your vet scan the chip during routine visits helps confirm it is still working and easy to find.

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