Microchips have helped reunite countless lost pets with their families. They are also widely misunderstood. Many owners believe a chip can track their pet’s location, or assume their contact information is automatically attached. Understanding how chips actually work helps you get the most out of one.
What a microchip is
A pet microchip is a small electronic device, often described as about the size of a grain of rice, enclosed in a biocompatible glass or similar casing. It is typically implanted under the skin between the shoulder blades with a needle, a procedure that is often compared to a routine injection. It can be done during a regular appointment and does not usually require anesthesia, though many owners choose to have it done during a spay or neuter.
How it works
Microchips use radio frequency identification, or RFID. The chip has no battery and no power source of its own. When a scanner passes over it, the scanner sends a radio signal that powers the chip just enough to transmit a unique identification number. The scanner displays that number.
That is all the chip does. It stores a number. It does not store your name, address or phone number, and it does not broadcast a location.
What microchips cannot do
- They are not GPS trackers. A chip cannot tell you where your pet is. GPS devices are separate products, usually worn on a collar, and typically require a battery and often a subscription.
- They do not work without registration. The number is only useful if it is linked to your contact information in a registry database.
- They are not a substitute for a collar and tags. A neighbor who finds your dog can read a tag immediately. A chip requires a scanner, typically at a vet clinic or shelter.
How a lost pet gets home
When a lost pet is brought to a shelter or veterinary clinic, staff commonly scan for a chip. If they find a number, they look it up to identify the registry, then contact that registry, which reaches the owner using the information on file. If the information is outdated or was never entered, the trail can go cold.
The AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup tool, from the American Animal Hospital Association, can help identify which registry a chip number is associated with in the United States.
Making the most of your pet’s chip
- Register the chip as soon as it is implanted, or confirm that the shelter or clinic did it for you.
- Update your information whenever you move or change phone numbers.
- Ask your vet to scan the chip at annual visits to confirm it is still readable.
- Keep the chip number with your pet’s records and in your first-aid kit.
- Use a collar and ID tag too, especially for dogs.
Microchips are generally considered safe, and complications are uncommon. Your veterinarian can answer questions about the procedure and any concerns specific to your pet. This article is general information only.
