Dog Microchipping: Everything You Need to Know

How a Microchip Works

A microchip is a tiny transponder, roughly the size of a grain of rice, injected under the skin between the dog’s shoulder blades. It contains a unique identification number. When a scanner is passed over the chip, it transmits this number via radio frequency.

The chip itself has no battery, no GPS, and no tracking capability. It simply stores an ID number. That number is linked to your contact information in a pet recovery database.

The Procedure

Microchipping takes less than 30 seconds. The chip is injected with a large-bore needle, similar to a vaccination. Most dogs react no more than they would to a standard shot. No anesthesia is required, though many owners opt to have it done during a spay/neuter procedure.

For more on this topic, see our guide on 10 Signs Your Dog Is in Pain (Dogs Hide It Well).

The Critical Step Most Owners Miss: Registration

The microchip is useless if it is not registered. After implantation, you must go to the chip manufacturer’s website and register the chip number with your current contact information: name, phone number, address, and an emergency contact.

For more on this topic, see our guide on How to Switch Dog Food Without Upsetting Your Dog’s Stomach.

If you move or change phone numbers, you must update the registration. A shocking percentage of microchipped dogs that end up in shelters cannot be reunited because the registration was never completed or is outdated.

Cost

Microchipping typically costs $25-$75 at a veterinary clinic. Many shelters and rescue organizations include microchipping in the adoption fee. Low-cost microchip clinics are also available through many humane societies.

Does It Hurt? Can It Move?

The injection is a quick pinch. The chip is coated in biocompatible glass, and the dog’s body forms a thin layer of connective tissue around it, anchoring it in place within 24 hours. Migration (the chip moving from its original position) is rare and harmless; it just means the scanner needs to sweep a wider area.