Should you Microchip Your Pet? Pet Microchip Cost and FAQ

**Originally Published July 2, 2021. Updated December 13, 2022.**

Pet microchipping is a common technology used to help find missing pets. A microchip is a small implant with its own unique identification number used to contact the owner if the pet has been found. Microchips are different from collar tags because the chip is installed under the cat or dog’s skin and should remain for the pet’s entire lifespan from the time it is installed.

When your pet is microchipped, your provider will help you to register the number into a database. Special scanners are used to detect the chip and the identification number. When the chip is scanned, the ID will be linked with the corresponding database information. Microchipping gives your pet the best chance of being reunited with you over any other identification tool because it cannot be lost. Most owners agree that the benefit of microchipping is worth the small cost.

Does a Pet Microchip Show the Exact Location of my Pet?

As amazing as it would be, microchips do not show the location of your pet. A microchip is a radio-frequency identification device (RFID), not a GPS. The microchip in your pet transmits information only when the scanner passes over it. It doesn’t ever need to be charged or replaced as a GPS would. However, there are GPS tags you can purchase as an additional safeguard if needed. Most pet owners find that the microchip cost is more affordable and reliable due to its permanence with your pet. A GPS tag can break or be taken off, but a microchip cannot.

How Much Does a Microchip Cost?

Microchips are more affordable than you think! You can expect to pay $125 with Elite Veterinary Care for a microchip. It is a one-time cost with no additional maintenance fees. In most instances, this includes the costs of registration within the pet database. If your pet already has a microchip, be sure to update the registration so the information is correct. If Fido escapes the fence, updated and accurate information is key to getting him back home, so try not to forget!

How is the Microchip Put into My Dog or Cat?

The microchip installation process is simple and quick. No anesthesia or surgery is required and the entire process takes no longer than 5 minutes. It is relatively painless, but your pet will experience a pinch similar to that of a vaccine injection.

The first thing the veterinarian or technician will do is verify that the identification on the microchip matches the one on the packaging. This is for safety to assure that your pet can be identified accurately if lost. The vet or tech will insert the needle containing the minuscule microchip (about the circumference of a framing nail and length of your index finger width) using an application gun or syringe. The standard site on dogs is the subcutaneous tissue, under the skin, along the midline of the spine between the shoulder blades. Some of the loose skin between the shoulder blades is gently lifted while the needle is inserted. Your dog or cat should be standing or lying on their stomach for this. Finally, the application trigger is squeezed, injecting the microchip into the skin.

Your provider will scan your dog or cat after insertion to ensure that the chip is able to be read successfully.

Is the Microchip Insertion Process Painful to Dogs and Cats?

Microchip implantation is easy and you don't need to worry about hurting your pet! The needle is large, but the placement of the microchip is quick. Your pet won’t be uncomfortable for long as the procedure is similar to a vaccine injection and most animals feel back to normal within a few minutes. A treat and a head scratch afterwards are known to help!

There are no side-effects in most cases. Rare side effects include hair loss at the injection site, temporary bleeding, and infection. The microchip can migrate to different areas of the body in some cases. While this won’t hurt your pet, it may delay reunification if the microchip cannot be scanned. Many vets and animal controls are aware of this possibility and perform full-body scans if a microchip is not initially found in the shoulder area.

Some owners request their dog or cat be anesthetized during the injection while they are undergoing a spay or neutering procedure. However, this isn’t necessary.

Are There any Personal Privacy Concerns when Microchipping?

Not at all! The only information contained within the chip itself is an ID number. When the chip is scanned, it will be matched with database information that contains your contact information. You choose what information you want to provide and it will only be used to contact you if your pet has been found. Only specified locations and workers, such as a veterinary clinic or shelter, will have the required equipment and access to see this information.

Does a Microchip Replace ID and Rabies Tags?

No. Microchips are excellent failsafes because they are permanent and tamper-proof. However, anyone can read an ID tag, whereas microchips can only be read at a clinic or shelter. Therefore, having a collar with an up-to-date tag will help your lost pet get back to you much faster.

Rabies tags ease the concerns of others when they find your pet by letting them know that your pet is not carrying this deadly disease.

How do I Know if my Adopted Pet has a Microchip Already?

Your veterinarian will scan for existing microchip when you bring them in for implantation!

Is Microchipping Worth the Hassle?

Yes! Collars can break, fall off, or was left off before your pet leaves the house. They can also wear down and be difficult to read when they are old.

The microchip cost is minuscule compared to the reassurance that your pet is linked to you should it ever be missing. In fact, out of 7,700 stray animals, 21.9% of dogs without microchips were reunited with their owners, whereas 52.2% of dogs with microchips were reunited! Cats that were not microchipped only found their way home 1.8% of the time compared to microchipped cats being reunited with their owners 38.5% of the time. Your best chance at making sure your fur-baby is safe is through a registered microchip. The numbers don’t lie. It’s worth it!

Do you have any questions about microchipping that were not answered? Please comment below and someone will respond within 24 hours.