How and where are microchips placed?
Microchips are implanted just under the skin, usually right between the shoulder blades. This is done with a large-bore needle and doesn’t require anesthesia. Each microchip contains an identification number and the phone number of the registry for the particular brand of chip. A handheld scanner reads the radio frequency of the chip and displays this information. An animal shelter or vet clinic that finds your pet can contact the registry to get your name and phone number (or do an online search of all major microchip registries).
back to top
Can a microchip get lost inside my pet?
Your pet’s subcutaneous tissue usually bonds to the chip within 24 hours, preventing it from moving. There’s a small chance that the chip could migrate to another part of the body, but it can’t actually get lost.
back to top
How long do microchips last?
Microchips are designed to work for 25 years.
back to top
Where can I get my pet microchipped?
Many veterinarians and some animal shelters implant microchips for a small fee. But—and this is very important—just getting a microchip isn’t enough. You also need to register your pet’s microchip to link the chip number to your name and contact information. (While some shelters, rescues and veterinary clinics now register the chips they implant, many don’t, so you need to make sure your chip is registered with your current contact information.)
back to top
How do I register my pet?
Most microchip registries allow you to register a chip online. Some companies charge a one-time registration fee, others charge an annual fee and some are free but may charge for extra optional services. However, there are completely free options for registering your pet’s microchip, no matter the brand, such as the American Animal Hospital Association’s Free Chip Registry.
back to top
Are there different types of chips?
Yes, competing microchip companies use different frequencies to send signals to scanners, and that used to be a problem. Now there are universal scanners that can detect the different frequencies. Many microchip companies produce universal scanners and provide them to animal shelters and animal control agencies at no or very low cost. If your local animal welfare organizations don’t have scanners, encourage them to contact some of the major manufacturers to ask about getting one, or consider donating a scanner to your local shelter or rescue.
back to top
Are there different registries?
Yes, and that also used to be problematic. Different chip companies maintained separate databases. Now, some chip companies will register pets with any brand of chip. Also, the AAHA’s online microchip lookup tool searches the databases of all major microchip registries, making it easier for anyone who finds your pet to identify the right registry and contact you.
back to top
Can a microchip replace my pet’s collar and tags?
No. Despite advances in universal scanners and registry procedures, microchips aren’t foolproof and you shouldn’t rely on them exclusively to protect your pet. Universal scanners can detect a competing company’s chip, but they may not be able to read the data. And if shelter or vet clinic personnel don’t use the scanner properly, they may fail to detect a chip.
back to top
What if I move or change my phone number or email address?
You should update your microchip registry information online or ask the company to update your information. If your pet becomes lost, you’ll want them back as quickly as possible, so you want to make it easy for any shelter, vet clinic or animal services agency that finds your pet to contact you.
back to top
What do I do if I adopt a pet who’s already been microchipped?
Use the AAHA online microchip lookup tool to see if your pet’s microchip has been registered and to update the information. If the chip hasn’t been registered, you can simply register it with your name and contact information. If you don’t know your pet’s microchip number, ask your vet, animal shelter or local rescue group to scan your pet and provide you with the number.
back to top
Found an animal? Gettips for identifying the owner of a microchipped pet.
