Microchipping is the process of inserting a small capsule under your dog’s skin for the purpose of registering him with a unique identification number. The microchip also includes your name, address, phone number, and return instructions.
Pet microchips are not GPS or tracking devices and cannot tell you the location of your pet. Instead, think of a dog’s microchip as a sophisticated dog tag or collar, with all the contact information needed to return your lost pet to you. Its transponder emits a radio frequency that can be read by a scanner owned by most veterinary clinics.
Veterinary offices and animal shelters often have microchip scanners that can read the information on them. These places are more than likely where your dog will end up if he goes missing. Microchips are advantageous in the sense that they can hold much more information than an identification tag and cannot be removed or fall off.
The steps to microchip a dog
The process of inserting the microchip is quite painless and does not even require local anesthesia. The chip is about the size of a grain of rice and is usually inserted between the dog’s shoulder blades with a syringe or applicator, which would hurt about the same as an average vaccination injection.
Some pet owners may choose to do this as part of another process that actually requires anesthesia, such as neutering or spaying.
Your dog’s microchip number would then be linked to a pet recovery database maintained by the microchip company you registered with. This registry is where your furry friend’s unique identification number and dog owner information will appear when the veterinary office or animal control center scans its microchip.
Average cost of the microchip
Having your dog implanted with a microchip can be surprisingly inexpensive, with the average cost ranging between $25 and $60. This includes the registration fee and the actual process of microchipping your dog. Since microchipping services and microchip registration are the same for all dogs, the age, size and breed of your best friend will not affect the price.
Unlike neutering services, some pet insurance companies may cover the cost of registration and microchipping as part of their preventative care or wellness plans. Both the American Veterinary Medical Association and the ASPCA support microchipping as a way to provide peace of mind to pet parents and their potential lost dogs.
Cost to Microchip a Dog Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best age to microchip a dog?
There is no specific age at which you should have your dog microchipped, although the earliest you can vaccinate them is usually when they are around eight weeks old. This is the usual age at which puppies receive their first vaccinations after being weaned from their mother.
Can my dog be tracked with a microchip?
No, microchips are not GPS-enabled and cannot track your dog’s active location. However, microchips can help find your dog if he gets lost, easily storing all the information someone would need to bring your dog back to you.
What are the potential side effects of microchipping a dog?
Adverse reactions to microchipping are rare and usually involve accidental dislodgement of the microchip within the dog’s skin. Other uncommon side effects might include hair loss or swelling around the insertion area.