Microchipping

How Microchipping Works

Microchipping is a simple procedure that takes just a few seconds. A small chip, about the size of a grain of rice, is inserted under your pet's skin between the shoulder blades using a needle. No surgery or anesthesia is required, and most pets experience little to no discomfort.

Step 1: The microchip is placed under the skin using a needle, similar to a routine vaccination.

Step 2: The chip's unique ID number is registered in a national pet recovery database along with your contact information.

Step 3: If your pet is ever lost and brought to a shelter or clinic, a quick scan of the chip's ID connects you.

Once in place, the microchip lasts for your pet's lifetime with no maintenance or replacement needed. Keeping your contact information up to date in the registry ensures the chip can always help bring your pet home.

Why Every Pet Should Be Microchipped

Pets can slip out of doors, escape from yards, or bolt during storms or fireworks. Even indoor cats can get lost if they accidentally get outside. A microchip ensures that if your pet ever ends up at a shelter or vet clinic, you can be contacted and reunited quickly.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, microchipped dogs are more than twice as likely to be reunited with their families, and microchipped cats are more than 20 times more likely to make it home.

Collars and tags are important, but they can break, slip off, or be removed. A microchip provides permanent, unlosable identification.

Does microchipping hurt my pet?

Microchipping causes minimal discomfort, similar to a routine vaccination. The procedure takes seconds, requires no anesthesia, and most pets don't react.

How much does microchipping cost?

Microchipping is very affordable. Contact your local Petfolk for current pricing. The one-time cost provides permanent identification for your pet's entire life.

Is a microchip the same as a GPS tracker?

No. A microchip stores an ID number and can only be read when scanned at close range. It has no GPS or tracking capabilities and requires no batteries. GPS trackers are separate collar devices that need charging and subscription fees.

Can microchips be removed or fall out?

No. Microchips bond with surrounding tissue and are designed to stay in place permanently. Unlike collars and tags, a microchip can't be lost, removed, or damaged.

My pet has a collar and ID tags. Do they still need a microchip?

Yes. Collars provide visible identification, but they can break or slip off. A microchip is a permanent backup that can't be lost.

What if I adopt a pet that already has a microchip?

Transfer the registration to your name and contact information. We can scan your pet for the microchip number and help you update the registry.

Do I need to do anything to maintain the microchip?

No. Microchips are maintenance-free with no batteries to replace. The only task is keeping your contact information current in the registry. We recommend verifying details at each annual wellness visit.

Can any vet or shelter scan for a microchip?

Yes. Universal scanners detect all common microchip frequencies. Virtually all veterinary clinics, shelters, and rescue organizations have scanners, and scanning lost pets is standard practice.

At what age can my pet be microchipped?

Pets can be microchipped at any age, including puppies and kittens as young as 8 weeks. It can be done during any routine visit.

What should I do if my microchipped pet goes missing?

Act quickly. Report your pet as lost to the microchip registry (many databases send alerts to local shelters). Contact local shelters, post on social media and lost pet websites, and canvas your neighborhood. Ensure your registration is up to date so you can be reached immediately.