Microchipping a Dog

Back in the day, many dogs were identified by tattoos. Tattoos can be hard to read and even harder to trace back to an owner. Recent years have seen an increase in microchipping pets for identification if they get lost. Microchips are tiny implants that are placed under your dog’s skin, usually at the back of the neck (their “scruff”). Phone/email/address information for the dog’s owner is tied to the microchip number so that when the dog is scanned the chip number is called into a central storage bank, the owner can be reunited with their companion. We love happy endings!

Why is it important to ensure my dog is microchipped?

Tags on collars can fall off, and tattoos are hard to see. Most veterinary hospitals and pet shelters have microchip readers, and one of the first things done when a new/stray pet is brought in is scanning for a microchip. Many lost pets have been reunited with their owners, sometimes even after travelling for very long times and distances!

How does a microchip work and is it safe?

Microchips have specific numbers assigned to them. The dog owner contact information is paired with the chip number. The chip is injected just below the skin and when scanned with a microchip reader the chip’s number is revealed. Microchips are extremely safe and effective. Many pet owners choose to have microchips placed during their dog’s spay/neuter so that there is absolutely no pain from the injection.

How much does it cost to microchip a dog?

We can implant a microchip at any time. We do recommend, if possible, to correspond the chip placement with your pet’s first/next appointment requiring anesthesia to avoid the discomfort associated with the injection and so that we can provide you with a better fee due to a lesser amount of time and resources being required.