Why Microchipping Your Dog Is a Must

Every year, about 10 million pets go missing in the United States. That statistic is enough to break any animal lover’s heart. Fortunately, advancements in pet care have provided an effective tool for reuniting lost pups with their families: microchipping.

Microchipping has become a widely adopted practice, but what exactly is a microchip, how does it work, and is it safe for your dog? Learn everything you need to know about microchipping and how this teeny-tiny device can make a big difference in your pet’s safety and your peace of mind.

What does it mean to microchip a dog?

Microchipping involves implanting a small, electronic chip beneath a dog’s skin. The microchip itself is about the size of a grain of rice and is enclosed in a biocompatible glass capsule. It has no power source or moving parts. Rather, it stores a unique identification number that can be read by a scanner. Think of it like a barcode, except located securely inside your pup’s body. 

How does microchipping work?

If this conjures up images of alien abductions, you can take comfort that the process is safe, quick, and relatively painless (with no extraterrestrials involved). Oftentimes, the rescue or shelter where you adopt your dog will microchip your new pet for you. Here’s a step-by-step guide to how microchipping works.

1. Implantation

A veterinarian (or other professional) implants the microchip just under your pet’s skin, typically between the shoulder blades, using a large-bore needle. The injection is similar to a routine vaccination and causes minimal discomfort to the dog. As such, this procedure generally does not require sedation.

2. Registering the chip

After the microchip is implanted in your dog (whether done at a rescue, shelter, or veterinarian’s office), you must register it. According to experts, about 40 percent of pet parents forget or skip this step. That’s like buying a pretty new dog tag but not putting any contact information on it. Registering the microchip links the unique chip number to your name and contact information. While some shelters, rescues, and veterinary clinics handle the registration, many do not.

You can register your dog’s microchip online for free — no matter the brand — on various websites, including the American Animal Hospital Association’s Free Chip Registry and 24PetWatch. If you have a change in address or contact numbers, be sure to update your information in the registry.

3. Reading the chip with a scanner  

If a lost dog is found, they can be brought to a vet clinic or animal shelter where a scanner will “read” the chip. When the scanner is passed over the pet’s body, it emits a safe, low-frequency radio wave that activates the microchip. The chip then transmits its unique identification number to the scanner, which can be used to access the pet parent’s contact information from a registered database. 

Cost of microchipping a dog

Microchipping is a valuable investment in your pet’s safety and your peace of mind. “The cost of microchipping a dog typically ranges between $25 and $50,” says Dr. Kathryn Dench, a veterinarian and chief scientific advisor at Paw Origins. This fee usually includes the chip itself and the injection service.

Dr. Dench says the cost of microchipping can vary based on the region where the service is provided, the service provider (such as a standard veterinary clinic vs. a low-cost veterinary clinic vs. an animal shelter), and whether or not you have to register the chip online yourself.

Most animal rescues and shelters include microchipping in their adoption fees, which typically range from $50 to $350. In addition to microchipping, the adoption fee usually includes a general health check, routine vaccinations, flea treatment, deworming, spaying/neutering, and a starter bag of food.

When registering your dog’s microchip, some companies require a one-time fee, while others charge annually. Completely free options exist, though, as mentioned above. 

Benefits of microchipping your dog

Microchipping your dog comes with several key benefits that can enhance the safety and well-being of your dog. Here are five benefits of microchipping your dog.

Increased chances of reuniting

Microchipped dogs have a significantly higher chance of being reunited with their families if they get lost. In a study of more than 7,700 stray animals at animal shelters in 23 states, the reunification rate of microchipped dogs was 52.2 percent, whereas it was only 21.9 percent for non-microchipped dogs.

“In my practice, I’ve witnessed numerous reunions facilitated by microchips, which would otherwise have likely resulted in long-term separations,” says Dench.

Permanent identification

Unlike collars and tags, microchipping offers a permanent form of identification that cannot be lost, stolen, damaged, or removed. Microchips last for a dog’s lifetime and require no maintenance.

However, in addition to having a microchip, your dog must still wear a collar with identification tags. Unlike a microchip, a collar with an ID tag allows someone to quickly and easily read your contact information without needing a scanner, enabling faster reunions if a good Samaritan finds your dog. Combining both methods ensures the highest chance of your dog being safely returned to you.

Proof of guardianship

Microchipping can be invaluable in cases of lost or stolen pets, helping to resolve ownership disputes. The microchip’s unique ID number, registered to your contact information, provides clear evidence that the dog is in fact yours. 

Affordable

Microchipping is a cost-effective method of improving your pet’s security. Many shelters and rescue organizations include microchipping in their adoption fees, making it an even more affordable option.

Compliance with regulations

In some locations, microchipping is a legal requirement for pet parents. Having your dog microchipped ensures compliance with local regulations.

Common misconceptions and concerns about microchipping dogs

Microchipping dogs is a widely accepted practice, but there are still several misconceptions floating around about these chips. To put your mind at ease, let’s address some of the most common concerns.

Microchips don’t have GPS tracking capabilities.

One common misconception about microchipping is that it functions as a GPS tracker. Microchips do not have GPS capabilities — they cannot track your pet’s location in real-time. Instead, they contain a unique ID number that can be read by a scanner and used to retrieve a pet parent’s contact information from a database. For real-time location tracking, you should consider a GPS collar.

Microchips don’t contain personal information.

Some pet parents worry about privacy issues related to microchipping. It’s important to understand that a microchip only stores an ID number and does not contain any personal information. Your contact details are stored in a secure database and are only accessible to authorized personnel with the proper equipment. This ensures your privacy is protected.

Microchipping a dog is safe.

Some pet parents have concerns about potential health risks associated with microchipping. However, Dr. Dench says the procedure is considered very safe and involves minimal discomfort for a dog. The microchips are designed to be biocompatible, meaning they do not cause harm to a dog’s body once implanted.

“Complications, such as infections or chip failures, are very uncommon,” Dr. Dench says. “There is a rare risk of the microchip migrating from the site of implantation, but this seldom causes problems.”

Ensuring the procedure is performed by a qualified veterinarian further minimizes any risks, making microchipping a safe, effective method for pet identification.

Microchips last a long time.

Another common concern is that microchips will stop working or will need to be replaced during a dog’s life. You can toss this worry out: Microchips are designed to stay in place and remain functional for 25 years, much longer than the average dog’s lifespan.

Microchips can be transferred to new pet parents.

What if you adopt a dog that already has a microchip from their previous guardian? This is a common scenario and is entirely manageable. Also, there are security measures in place to prevent unauthorized changes to the microchip registration.

• If you’re in contact with the dog’s previous guardian, they will need to contact the microchip company and authorize the transfer of ownership. Depending on the company’s procedures, this can typically be done either by phone or with a signed letter.

• If you’re not in contact with the original guardian, most microchip companies have a protocol to handle such situations. They will attempt to contact the previous guardian for a specified period (such as a week). If no contact is made within that time frame, the company will update the microchip information to reflect your name and contact details, thereby completing the transfer of guardianship.

Commonly asked questions

How to change dog microchip details?

To update your dog’s microchip details, log in to the website where your dog’s microchip is registered or contact the organization by phone. Update your contact information and, if using a website, save the changes. 

How do I find my dog’s microchip number online?

To find your dog’s microchip number online, you can log in to the site where you registered the microchip. If you don’t know the microchip number, you can check your dog’s adoption papers or vet records, or ask your vet to scan the microchip to provide the number. 

Can a microchip be removed? 

While a microchip can technically be removed, it’s typically only done by a veterinarian for very rare medical reasons. Also, it’s illegal for anyone other than the animal’s registered guardian to request a microchip removal, so you don’t need to worry about someone removing your pet’s microchip without your permission.

Do dogs have to be microchipped?

Whether or not dogs must be microchipped depends on local laws and regulations. In many areas, microchipping is strongly recommended but not mandatory. However, some regions have made it a legal requirement for pet parents to have their dogs microchipped.

What should you do if you find a stray dog? 

If you find a stray dog, check to see if they have an ID tag on their collar. If so, call the number on the tag. If not, take them to a shelter or vet clinic where they can be scanned for a microchip. If you find out they don’t have a home, you can consider adopting them. 

References

Characterization of Animals With Microchips Entering Animal Shelters

How a Microchip Can Keep You and Your Pet Together

Microchipping FAQ

Microchip Your Pet