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What is a microchip?

A pet microchip is a tiny computer chip that's about the size of a grain of rice. It contains a unique code that matches up to your pet's details.

Microchipping a dog is a quick and simple procedure. The chip is inserted under a dog's skin, usually around the scruff of the neck, using a needle. It takes seconds.

We scan all pets for microchips at Blue Cross

Dogs can be checked for a microchip using a handheld electronic device, called a scanner. When this is waved over the dog's neck, the scanner will recognise the unique information held inside the chip.

Why should I get my dog microchipped?

A microchip is a permanent form of identification. As long as the details are kept up to date, you can always be contacted if your dog goes missing.

When dogs are found straying they are collected by the local authority dog warden and kept for seven days. If your microchipped dog goes missing and is taken in by the dog warden, your contact details will be easily found and you can come and collect them straight away, even if their collar and ID tag have fallen off.

But without identification telling the dog warden who your dog belongs to, they cannot let you know your beloved pet has been found. After seven days your dog can be passed to a rehoming charity, such as Blue Cross, to be found a loving new home, or they can be euthanised by the local authority.

Each year we look after many dogs who we know must have come from loving homes as they are friendly, affectionate and have had training. But sadly, without a microchip, we have no way of reuniting them with their owners so we find them new loving families instead, even though we know that somewhere out there a heartbroken owner is missing them terribly.

It's really important to keep your dog's details up to date, too. We have rehomed dogs whose owners we could not get in touch with because the details on the microchip were not current.

Where can I get my dog microchipped and how much will it cost?

It costs about £10 to £15 to get your dog microchipped by a vet or vet nurse, and some dog groomers, dog walkers and pet sitters offer this service too. Make sure the person who microchips your dog is qualified to do so as your dog may suffer if the person is not properly trained.

Microchips are about the size of a grain of rice. They are put under the skin using an implanter, like this.

Blue Cross microchips dogs, as well as cats and rabbits, for free. Contact your nearest Blue Cross rehoming centre or animal hospital to book an appointment.

How old does my dog have to be to be chipped?

Dogs can be microchipped at any age, but it's more comfortable for puppies if they're at least seven or eight weeks old before being chipped.

Under the new microchipping law that came into effect on 6 April 2016, all dogs and puppies must be microchipped and registered by the age of eight weeks.

Will microchipping hurt my dog?

Microchipping is a quick procedure but it does involve a needle so is likely to be uncomfortable for your dog for a few seconds. However, many dogs don't even notice!

If you think your dog or puppy has had a reaction to a microchip, contact your vet straight away.

What's the law on dog microchipping?

When you get a new puppy or adult dog, get your vet to scan them as soon as possible to check the chip works and the details are correct

Since 6 April 2016, all dogs in England, Scotland and Wales must be microchipped.

As of that date, owners of dogs and puppies over the age of eight weeks must also have registered their pet's microchip details on one of the authorised databases. These databases are run by private companies, and not by the government or the council.

Dog owners are also required to keep their pet's details up to date with the database under the new law.

As well as being microchipped, it is still a legal requirement for dogs to wear a collar and tag with the owner's name and address on it when in a public place.

Owners who do not get their dog microchipped and registered with an approved database face a fine of up to £500 if caught.

The only exception to this law for pet dogs are those who a vet believes should not be chipped for health reasons.

If you rehome your dog to someone else, you must give the new owner the correct microchip registration paperwork so that they can contact the database and register as the dog's new owner.

Dogs in Northern Ireland are already required to be microchipped as part of the conditions of the dog licence.

Will my new puppy be microchipped before I take them home?

Puppies must be microchipped before they go to their new homes under the new law that came into effect on 6 April 2016.

The breeder should be the first registered keeper of the puppy - they are breaking the law if they do not register the puppy by the time he or she is eight weeks old. Breeders should also pass on correct microchip paperwork to the new owner when the puppy goes home.

If you are buying a small or toy breed, such as a Chihuahua, a vet may decide it's better to wait to get the puppy chipped when they are older and bigger. If this is the case, the breeder must give you a certificate signed by a vet to prove this instead of the certificate of registration. However, there is really no reason for small breeds not to be chipped; kittens are frequently chipped from as young as eight weeks, and they are much smaller than small breed dogs.

If a breeder has not microchipped and registered the puppy before you take them home, and cannot give you evidence to show the reason for the delay, walk away.

Whenever you buy or rescue a puppy or adult dog, you should ask your vet to scan them on your first visit to make sure that the chip corresponds with the paperwork you've been given. Errors can and do happen easily, so always make sure the chip and paperwork match.

Is my dog's microchip proof of ownership?

No. Under the new Microchipping of Dogs (England) Regulations legislation, the person who primarily cares for the dog and keeps them in their home is called a 'keeper', not an 'owner'.

The dog's microchip must be registered to the 'keeper', who may not always be the owner.

Some rescue organisations used to keep chips registered in the name of the rescue instead of the owner, but under the new law this is no longer allowed. If you rehome a rescue dog, their chip details must be registered in your name. Many rescues will do this automatically when you rehome the dog, but always check.

This means this person has legal responsibility for their dog and can be held responsible if the dog falls foul of any law, including straying or causing injury, but it does not prove legal ownership.

How do I check if my dog's microchip details are up to date?

It's really important to keep the details on the chip up to date. If your dog goes missing and your details are incorrect, you significantly decrease the chances of being reunited with your pet.

When you get your dog microchipped you should receive confirmation from the database your dog's details are registered with. To check if your dog's details are correct, simply contact the database that holds the details on your dog's chip.

If you don't have a certificate of registration or other type of confirmation from the microchip database, you can check which database the chip is registered to at www.check-a-chip.co.uk

How do I change my dog's microchip details?

If you move and have a change of address or name, don't forget to update your dog's details too.

To do this, get in touch with the database that holds your dog's details. Depending on which database your dog is registered with, you might be able to do this over the phone or online, or you may have to do so by post.

The cost of actually getting your dog microchipped covers only the implantation of the chip itself; it doesn't cover the cost of changing your pet's details in the future.

Pet microchip databases charge an admin fee of between £6 and £20 to change and update dogs' details. Some will charge you each time you want to change your details, and others charge an upfront fee that covers all changes for the whole of your dog's life. Check with your database to find out how they are administered.

If you don't keep your details up to date, the chances of you being reunited with your pet if they go missing significantly decrease. Don't run the risk of never seeing your dog again.

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A pet microchip is a tiny computer chip that's about the size of a grain of rice. It contains a unique code that matches up to your pet's details. Microchipping a dog is a quick and simple procedure. The chip is inserted under a dog's skin, usually around the scruff of the neck, using a needle.

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pros include simple, easy and chip cant get lost.

cons include risk to pet health and and they dont help you find your pet. it helps your pet find you in event that its found long distance.

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Petkeen is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commision.

If you've ever owned a pet, then you know that there are a few things that you'll be strongly pressured to do for them: Get them spayed or neutered, switch to a high-quality food, and brush their teeth regularly. You're also told that you should have them microchipped too.

While the first three are undeniably good things, what about microchipping? Is it really as valuable as many people say? Are there any risks involved?

We'll answer all those questions in this guide.

What Exactly Is Microchipping?

A microchip is a tiny device - about the size of a grain of rice - that's implanted just underneath your pet's skin (usually between the shoulder blades). The electronics are housed inside a bio-glass sleeve, which is completely safe for both pets and humans.

When viewed under a special scanner, the chip emits a radio frequency that reveals the name of the microchipping agency, along with a special number.

If a vet, animal control officer, or the like calls the agency and gives them the number, they'll find your information and contact you to let you know that your lost pet has been located.

It's important to note that this only works if you register the microchip with the agency. Otherwise, they won't have your information, and they'll have no way to reach you.

The Pros of Microchipping

As you might expect, given how strenuously microchipping is pushed on pet owners, there are quite a few benefits to microchipping. Let's start with the most obvious.

This is the primary purpose of microchipping. If your pet gets lost and someone takes them to the vet or the pound, they can get scanned while there. The scan will allow them to get in touch with you to let you know that your pet has been safely located.

It's important to understand, though, that a microchip is not the same as a GPS transmitter. It won't help you track down your pet if they get lost; it will only allow a vet or animal control officer to get in contact after your pet has been found.

Microchips can last as long as 25 years, so you should only need to install a chip once in your pet's life. A few lucky pets do live past 25 years, of course, but those animals usually aren't in any shape to go running off.

Installing a chip takes only a few seconds, and your pet shouldn't feel more than a slight pinch. There's no need to hold them down while they struggle, and you don't have to worry about them being sore or having lingering pain from the procedure.

One of the other popular ways to ensure that your pet can be identified is tattooing a number on their skin. This serves the same purpose as a microchip, but the procedure is much more painful and requires you to struggle with your pet until it's finished.

Regular tags can get lost or broken, especially if you have an outdoor pet that enjoys getting into mischief. If your pet gets lost and their tags are gone, the authorities will have no way to contact you if they find your animal.

A microchip, on the other hand, will always be safely implanted in your pet, ensuring that they can be safely returned to you.

Most microchip databases are national, so if your pet gets lost and crosses state lines (or if they get lost while you're moving), you can still get reunited with your best friend.

Each country has its own database, though, so it may not help if your pet crosses the border.

All you have to do is have your vet implant the chip and fill out the accompanied paperwork so your information will be in the national database. That's it: A few minutes of work and your pet will be protected for life.

A dog tag might reveal your name, address, and phone number, so if your pet gets found by someone disreputable, it could put your identity at risk. A microchip, on the other hand, only reveals a number that will be meaningless to everyone but the microchip company.

The microchip company will be the only party with access to your personal information, so you don't have to worry about it falling into the wrong hands.

If your pet is stolen, the thief can remove the ID tags and any other identifying information. They can't get to the chip, though, so if you can get the animal scanned, you can prove that you're the rightful owner.

The Cons of Microchipping

While microchipping clearly has multiple advantages, it's not without a few drawbacks. We've listed the main ones, so it's up to you to decide if the rewards are worth the risks.

In rare cases, the chip can get dislodged from its location between the shoulder blades and move elsewhere in your pet's body. This doesn't pose any risk to your pet, but if they become lost and a vet scans them between the shoulder blades, they might think that your pet isn't chipped and you won't be contacted.

Most vets will perform a broad scan just in case, but it's always a good idea to have your pet scanned every time you take them in for a checkup, just to make sure the chip is where it's supposed to be.

There are a few chips - such as the Avid chip - that can only be detected by a particular scanner, so if the vet or animal control officer uses a different scanner, the chip might not register. There are universal scanners that can register just about any chip, but if the vet or pound doesn't have one, the chip might be missed entirely.

A microchip isn't a GPS transmitter, so it won't help you track down your pet in the wild. You can buy a collar with a GPS tracker in it if you're worried, though, and the microchip will still come in handy if your pet gets located by someone else.

Some pets have negative reactions to the chipping procedure, but these reactions are almost always minor and temporary. Inflammation at the insertion site is the most common, but there is also a minuscule risk of cancer developing at the site as well.

The link between microchipping and cancer is far from proven, however, and there have only been 4 reported cases out of over 4 million microchipped pets. This could very well be a coincidence, but we mention it so you can be fully informed as to the risks involved.

The Costs of Microchipping a Pet

Microchipping is a relatively inexpensive procedure, especially considering the benefits involved. However, that's not to say that there aren't any costs involved.

If you have the procedure performed by your vet, it will most likely cost you between $40 and $50. However, some of that will likely be due to the cost of an office visit, so you might be able to save money if you have the chip implanted while you're there for another reason, such as a routine checkup.

You might be able to have the chip implanted more cheaply by a rescue group or an animal shelter, so if money is an issue, it's worth shopping around beforehand.

Also, if you adopt from a rescue group or animal shelter, your pet may already be chipped. That will save you some money (if it's not included in the adoption fees), but it's essential that you switch the registration information with the microchipping company so you are contacted instead of the previous owner.

Will You Have Your Pet Microchipped?

Microchipping a pet is quick, easy, and relatively inexpensive, and the benefits usually outweigh the risks. We're big fans of it, but the decision is still a personal one, so you should give it a bit of thought before you march your pet into your vet's office.

Keep in mind, though, that there are few things as gut-wrenching as losing a beloved family pet, so if a microchip can keep those feelings at bay, it's likely worth every penny.

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Featured Image Credit: Pixel-Shot, Shutterstock

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Microchipping Your Pet: Pros, Cons, & Costs (Is It Worth It?) | Pet Keen

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Petkeen is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commision. If you've ever owned a pet, then you know that there are a few things that you'll be strongly pressured to do for them: Get them spayed or neutered, switch to a high-quality food, and brush their teeth regularly.