how do pet microchips work?

If your pet ever gets lost, a microchip could be the reason they find their way back to you. It's one of the simplest, most effective things you can do for your pet's safety — and yet there are a lot of questions about how they actually work.

How a microchip helps you find your dog or cat

A pet microchip is a tiny device — about the size of a grain of rice — implanted just under the skin between your pet's shoulder blades. Each chip contains a unique identification number that can be read by a universal scanner. When a lost pet is brought to a shelter, vet clinic, or animal control facility, staff will scan for a chip and use that number to look up the owner's contact information in a pet registry database.

Don't forget to register your chip! The chip itself is only useful if your contact information is linked to that ID number in a registry. Make sure your details are up to date, especially if you move or change your phone number.

Does microchipping hurt dogs or cats?

Microchipping is a quick, low-stress procedure — no surgery or anesthesia required. The chip is implanted using a needle slightly larger than what's used for a routine vaccine. Most pets react the same way they would to a standard shot — a brief moment of discomfort, if anything at all.

The procedure takes just a few seconds and can be done during a routine wellness visit. Afterward, most pets show no signs of discomfort and go right back to their normal selves.

For pets that are particularly anxious about vet visits, microchipping can also be done while they're under anesthesia for another procedure, like a spay or neuter.

Once the microchip is in, they can’t feel it and it’s there for your pet’s lifetime. They're durable and long-lasting — no battery, moving parts, or anything to charge or maintain.

Do pet microchips have GPS?

This is one of the most common misconceptions about microchips — and the answer is no. Pet microchips do not have GPS and cannot track your pet's location in real time.

The chip is a passive RFID device, meaning it has no power source and emits no signal on its own. It can only be detected when a scanner is held directly over it, typically within a few inches. Think of it less like a tracking device and more like a permanent ID tag that can't fall off or fade.

How much does it cost to microchip a dog or cat?

Microchipping is one of the more affordable investments you can make in your pet's safety. The procedure typically ranges from $25 to $70 at a veterinary clinic, which usually includes registration in a pet database.

Does pet insurance cover a microchip?

Sometimes it’s offered as an optional add-on. Check your plan details or talk with your provider to see if it’s included. For the peace of mind a microchip provides, most pet owners find it well worth the cost.

Can a magnet erase a pet microchip?

No — this is a common myth worth putting to rest. Pet microchips use passive RFID technology, which is not affected by magnets. You don't need to worry about your pet's chip being erased by everyday exposure to magnets, electronics, or household appliances.

If a provider is having trouble scanning a microchip, it can mean the chip has migrated from its original implant site. Veterinarians typically scan the whole body rather than just between the shoulder blades to get a read.

The bottom line: Once your pet is chipped and registered, you can count on that ID number being there when it matters most.

Help keep your pet safe

Pets give their owners enough things to worry about, and this shouldn’t be one of them. Talk to your vet about getting your pet microchipped at their next checkup or make a microchipping appointment today.