Pet Microchipping in North Hills, Raleigh, NC, From Your Local Vet

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - North Hills is a vet in North Hills, Raleigh, that microchips dogs and cats. A microchip is a tiny chip, about the size of a grain of rice, placed under the skin between the shoulder blades with a needle. It holds an ID number that a shelter or vet can scan to find your contact details.

Collars and tags fall off. A microchip stays in place for life.

Call (984) 983-4900 or book online. Walk-ins are welcome.

How does a pet microchip work?

The chip has no battery and no GPS. It only "wakes up" when a scanner passes over it and shows its ID number. Here is how it brings a pet home:

1. A shelter, animal control officer or vet scans the lost pet.

2. The scanner shows the chip number.

3. They look up the number in the microchip company's registry.

4. The registry gives them your name and phone number, and they call you.

That last step only works if your details in the registry are current. Wake County Animal Services warns on its pet identification page that many people forget to update the registry after they move or get a new phone number.

Why chip a pet in Wake County?

Wake County Animal Services says "ALL dogs and cats should be microchipped." The Wake County Animal Center at 820 Beacon Lake Drive in Raleigh runs a lost and found pets service and says it wants to reunite all missing pets with their families. A chip gives the shelter a direct way to reach you. Indoor cats need one too: a cat that slips out the door during a move or a storm usually has no collar on.

When should my pet get a microchip?

Any time. Puppies and kittens can be chipped at their first visits, and adult pets can be chipped at any checkup. Many pet parents choose to do it while their pet is already under anesthesia. Across Petfolk, nearly two in three microchips (64%) are placed on the same day as a spay or neuter, and the typical pet microchipped with us is about 10 months old (Oct 2025 to Sep 2026). Dogs account for about 58% of Petfolk microchips and cats about 42%.

See spay and neuter in North Hills if surgery is coming up.

A quick pinch

It feels a lot like a vaccine. The needle is a bit bigger, but it takes a second. Every Petfolk clinic uses Fear Free handling, so the team uses treats and distraction, and many pets barely notice. No sedation is needed.

They placed a blanket on the floor for our 16 yo boy and were so gentle with him.

Kris S., Google review

How much does microchipping cost?

Microchipping is priced on its own and can be added to any visit. A wellness exam at Petfolk North Hills starts at $99. You'll get an estimate before any test or treatment. The final bill can differ if the plan changes during the visit. Ask the team whether registration is included or done separately with the chip company.

Keep the chip working

A chip only helps if the record is right. After your pet is chipped:

• Register the chip with your name, mobile number and email.

• Update it every time you move or change numbers.

• Add a second contact, like a family member.

• Ask the vet to scan the chip at your yearly checkup. Wake County notes that "your vet can scan your microchip at your pet's annual visit."

Keep a collar and tag on dogs too. A tag lets a neighbor who finds your dog call you right away, with no scanner needed.

If your pet goes missing

Call the microchip company and report your pet lost. Then contact Raleigh Animal Control through the city police and check with the Wake County Animal Center. If your pet comes home hurt after time outside, book a same-day visit, or go to a 24-hour emergency hospital such as BluePearl Pet Hospital on Paragon Park Road in Raleigh for serious injuries.

Chip your pet

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - North Hills is at 631 E Six Forks Rd, Suite 101, Raleigh, NC 27609. Call (984) 983-4900, book online or walk in.

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