Are dog microchips worth it?

Microchips are absolutely worth it. The unique identification number associated with your pet’s microchip significantly increases the chances of your pet being returned to you in case they go missing.

Taking this proactive step is an easy and affordable way to permanently identify your pet, providing peace of mind for pet owners. This small investment can make a difference in ensuring you and your pet are reunited if the unexpected happens.

A microchip is a small glass or plastic biologically compatible electronic chip inserted underneath the dog’s skin, much like a vaccine. The microchip contains your personal information so, if/when the microchip is passed over with a scanner, the user will be able to find you and reunite you with your dog.

Microchips last for 25 years, and maintaining their effectiveness is as simple as updating your information. This can usually be done online on the company’s website. Microchipping your pet is a reliable and long-lasting means of identification.

What information is stored in a dog microchip?

Microchips store a pre-programmed unique identification number of 9 to 15 digits. This ID number does not contain any medical information, and it does not function as a GPS tracker. Instead, this specialized ID number is used in a microchip registry lookup database —being able to identify the microchip’s ID number is crucial for connecting you to your pet.

How are dog microchips implanted?

Microchips are implanted with a large-bore needle slightly larger than regular injections and feel similar. They are the size of a grain of rice and are inserted beneath the skin Trusted Source The Merck Veterinary Manual Trusted provider of veterinary medicine. Go to source , typically between the shoulder blades. They take less than a minute to administer, reducing any discomfort that your pet might feel.

This location is chosen because it’s easy to access, doesn’t cause discomfort, and has minimal interference with the pet’s movement. This location avoids areas prone to excessive movement and prevents your dog from feeling it, ensuring the longevity and effectiveness of the microchip.

The great thing about microchips is there is no surgery or anesthesia involved. Microchipping can be done during a regular vet visit or at the same time as other procedures. This makes the procedure less invasive and more convenient for the pet and the owner and helps minimize potential stress.

The cost of a dog microchip

Microchip costs can vary, but it’s typically pretty inexpensive. The cost depends on your veterinarian, location, and microchip type.

👉 If adopting, check with your organization to see if it’s included in the adoption fee. 

Here are some approximate commonly seen costs for micro-chipping:

*Note: The higher-end cost may include veterinary fees or the vet registering your microchip for you.

While you can buy your own microchip online, it’s important to note that it’s supposed to be implanted by a veterinarian or a member of their staff. This will often be mentioned on the website you purchase it from.

Veterinary clinics have the expertise and precision needed to implant the microchip safely, ensuring a sterile procedure and minimizing discomfort for your dog. Relying on a vet ensures the microchip is correctly placed and prioritizes the animal’s well-being.

Additionally, when you have the microchip implanted at a veterinary clinic, typically, the only cost will be for implantation. Owners are generally responsible for registering their microchips and information on the company’s website. Some companies have a free option, and others have a membership where you can pay for more in-depth services.

Micro-chipping is an affordable preventative measure and an extra layer of protection for your dog. If a dog is found or brought to an animal shelter or hospital, they’ll use a scanner to read the ID number of the microchip. They can search for the ID number on a registry lookup website or contact the microchip company.

• Permanent identification. Microchipping is a means of permanently identifying your pet. Unlike collars and tags that can be removed, these are done similarly to a vaccine, making it less likely for someone to claim your dog as their own.
• Backup identification during natural disasters. During natural disasters or emergencies, pets may become separated from their owners. This serves as a backup identification for reconnection, even during challenging times.
• Higher return-to-owner rates. Microchipping significantly boosts return-to-owner rates for lost pets. A study done by the American Veterinary Medical Association Trusted Source American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Not-for-profit organization representing 97,000+ vets. Go to source indicated that microchipped dogs were returned home 52.2% of the time. Those without microchips were returned home only 21.9% of the time.
• Global mobility for pets. The ISO standard for microchip frequency allows dogs to be identified and returned regardless of location. This is particularly beneficial for pet owners who travel internationally or frequently relocate.

Losing your pet is distressing and exhausting — but microchips can help bring them home safely. Knowing and understanding how pet microchips work to reunite you with your best friend can alleviate some of the stress during this time. Here’s a step-by-step of how microchips work.

If your dog ever goes missing, don’t lose hope. Many dogs find their way home even in unfamiliar territory and from hundreds of miles away. A well-thought-out plan can help keep you calm and level-headed in an emergency. Here are some tips for bringing your missing dog home safely:

Register your pet on FidoAlert — Using FidoAlert sends a text alert to everyone who signed up to the app within a 5-mile radius. This Amber Alert app is free and nationwide to help you bring your pet home safely.

Take action — Time is of the essence when you lose your dog. You’ll want to make sure you take immediate action. The first 12 hours are the most important. Check to see if they’re nearby or somewhere in the surrounding neighborhood.

Contact shelters and animal clinics — Reach out to local authorities, nearby shelters, rescues, or animal hospitals. Provide them with a detailed description and your contact information. If anyone brings in a dog with injuries or one fitting the description, they can contact you immediately.

Use social media — Join local groups on social media. In the event your dog goes missing, post a photo, your dog’s description, and how to get in touch. This increases your reach and helps broaden the square footage of your search.

Make flyers — Design clear and concise flyers with a picture of your dog, a description and other essential details, and your contact information. Go into local shops and let people know by word-of-mouth that your dog is missing. This can only help expand your search and make more people aware.

👉 Even if it’s been a while, try to keep a positive mindset and remain persistent in your search. Dogs have been known to use scent cues to find their way home, even after being missing for long periods.

With higher return-to-owner rates, microchipping helps minimize incorrect ownership claims, offering peace of mind to pet owners. Even in cases with unregistered microchips, national registries, and trackback processes can still potentially reconnect pets with their owners. Microchipping is a great way to permanently identify your pet, even across geographic boundaries.