Microchipping Could Save Your Pet’s Life: Everything Owners Should Know in 2025 🐾📡

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, Ask A Vet Blog
Published: July 7, 2025

Imagine your dog escapes the backyard, or your cat slips out during a storm. A simple microchip could be the one thing that reunites you. Microchips are tiny, inexpensive, and could be the difference between a happy reunion and heartbreak. Let’s break down how microchips work, clear up the myths, and show why every pet needs one. 🐶🐱❤️

📡 What Is a Microchip?

A microchip is a tiny radio transmitter, about the size of a grain of rice. When scanned, it emits a unique ID number that links to your contact information stored in a registry. It’s implanted under your pet’s skin—no surgery required. 🪡

💬 Common Misconceptions

• 🚫 Microchips are NOT GPS devices
• 📍 They can’t track location—just confirm identity
• 🔐 They store no personal info—only a number linked to a registry
• 📝 Microchips must be registered to be effective!

🛡️ How Microchips Save Lives

Microchips help in critical situations:

• 🐾 Lost pet: Shelters and vets scan and contact you
• 🚨 Natural disasters: Prove ownership in chaotic reunions
• 🚗 Injured strays: Ensure you’re contacted for medical decisions
• 🔒 Burglary: Pets may flee while doors are left open

🪡 How Is It Implanted?

Microchipping is quick and simple:

• 💉 It’s done with a large needle—like a vaccine shot
• 🐾 Often placed between the shoulder blades
• 🧸 Some owners wait until spay/neuter for zero discomfort, but early chipping avoids delay in protection

📝 Registering the Chip: The Most Important Step

Without registration, a microchip is useless. Registering ensures the chip number leads to your contact info. Here's what to do:

1. 📨 Register with the chip company (often requires a small fee)
2. 📞 Keep your info updated—especially after moves
3. 🔁 Some programs offer annual reminders

🛑 If the chip is unregistered, it might still trace back to the implanting clinic—but only if they kept records and you haven’t changed your number.

🏷️ Why Your Pet Also Gets a Tag

Microchips come with a tag that shows the chip number and registry contact. This tag is a backup in case a scanner isn’t available. 🐕💳

🧼 Check tags regularly—they can fade or wear down. You can request replacements or get engraved versions with the registry number.

🔎 How Vets and Shelters Find You

Scanners are standard equipment in clinics and shelters. If a chip is detected:

• 🔍 Staff search PetMicrochipLookup.org to find the registry
• 📞 The registry contacts you—or gives the finder your info (depending on your privacy settings)

⚠️ Choose a major registry that participates in PetMicrochipLookup.org and offers 24/7 customer support.

🤝 Adopting a Pet with a Chip?

If the chip is still registered to a previous owner or shelter:

• 📧 Contact the chip company for a transfer
• 📝 Some may require a release note; others attempt to contact the original owner first

🐕 Traveling with Your Pet?

Chipping is essential. A pet lost in an unfamiliar place is at higher risk of not returning home. Register the chip and keep a current photo uploaded if your registry allows it. 🧳🐾

📌 What To Do If Your Pet Is Lost

• 📞 Contact the microchip company and flag your pet as missing
• 📸 Upload a photo if the registry has alert services
• 🧾 Notify shelters and post flyers locally

📍 What To Do If You Find a Lost Pet

• 🏥 Bring them to a vet or shelter for a microchip scan
• ☎️ If chipped, the registry will contact the owner
• 📢 If no chip: check local lost/found groups and newspapers

✅ Microchip Checklist

• ✔ Implant the chip with a trusted vet
• ✔ Register the chip immediately
• ✔ Update contact info if you move
• ✔ Keep the tag on your pet’s collar
• ✔ Use a reputable registry that’s easy to reach

📱 Ask A Vet Can Help

Need help checking if your pet’s chip is active and registered? Want guidance on choosing a registry or adding identification? Ask A Vet has your back. 🩺🐾

📲 Download the Ask A Vet app to get personalized help from licensed veterinarians—because protecting your pet starts with being prepared.

A tiny chip can make the biggest difference. Don’t wait—microchip and register your pet today. 🐾🛡️

Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app for 24/7 expert help with microchipping, ID, and all things pet safety. 📱🐶