Pet Microchip FAQ

Microchip 411 FAQs

What is a microchip?

How much does it cost?

I want to get my pet chipped, where can I go?

Does a microchip hurt?

How often does a microchip have to be replaced?

How does a microchip work? Is it like a GPS or LoJack?

My pet wears an ID tag every day. Why do I need to have him microchipped?

How do I know who manufactures my pets chip?

What are the most common microchip manufacturers and how can I contact them?

Los Angeles-area Low-Cost Microchip Resources

What is a microchip?

A passive transponder device implanted beneath an animal's skin which contains unique series of characters used to identify the animal if it's lost. A microchip is about the size of a grain of rice and is administered similarly to a vaccine, using a syringe.

How much does it cost?

The price of microchipping services can vary from $10 - 75. You may be able to save some money if you're willing to do a little research on your local providers.

I want to get my pet chipped, where can I go?

Many municipal animal care facilities host microchipping clinics; call the facility that services your area to see if this is offered. Don't know who services your area? Try searching for "municipal animal care [and the name of your city]" on the internet to find the organization that services your area.

Also, local pet suppliers often hold monthly microchip clinics; contact your local supplier for more information. Most if not all veterinarians perform this simple procedure; call your local vet and make an appointment.

After your pet is chipped, come back and register your pet with us and the microchip manufacturer! Remember, a microchip is not like a GPS, for it to work properly it needs to be tied to your contact information in a national pet database.

Does a microchip hurt?

Implanting a microchip is essentially the same as administering a vaccine. So while your pet may feel a little pinch, any pain should be over very quickly. Once the microchip has been inserted, your pet won't even know it's there.

How often does a microchip have to be replaced?

In 99% of cases - never. A microchip should last for the lifetime of your pet.

How does a microchip work? Is it like a GPS or LoJack?

No; a microchip does not work like a GPS.

When your pet is found by an animal shelter or vet, a scanner is used to detect your pet's microchip. The scanner will provide the unique ID number associated with the chip which is linked to your contact information in a database.

Unfortunately, a microchip is not an active pet tracking device and therefore it is essential for you to keep your contact information current with the microchip’s manufacturer. GPS products are available as collar attachments but these are not be considered permanent as the collar could be lost.

My pet wears an ID tag every day. Why do I need to have him microchipped?

It's important for your pet to have a permanent form of ID. A collar and ID tags are not considered permanent ID. Lost pets frequently end up in shelters after their collars came off. If this happens your pet can still be identified by the microchip since it embedded beneath the skin.

How do I know who manufactures my pets chip?

If you don't know who the manufacturer is, ask your vet or local animal shelter to scan your pet. A scanner will read the chip and identify the number. Make sure you document the microchip manufacturer name and ID number for your personal records.

What are the most common microchip manufacturers and how can I contact them?

Los Angeles-area Low-Cost Microchip Resources

Before going to any microchip clinic we recommend:

• Call before to confirm 1) day/time/location of clinic 2) types of animals accepted 3) type of payment accepted 4) that this agency services your area. If it is a municipal facility, microchipping services may only be available to pet owners residing in their service area.
• All dogs should be on leash and cats in carriers.