5 Important Things to Know Before Microchipping Your Pet

Losing a pet can be one of the most frightening experiences for any owner. A collar and identification tag can help, but they can also become lost or separated from your pet. Pet microchipping provides another form of identification that can help connect a lost dog or cat with their owner. Before having your pet microchipped, it is important to understand what the microchip does, how registration works, and why keeping your contact information updated matters. Here are five important things to know before choosing a microchip for your pet.

What Should You Know Before Microchipping Your Pet?

A pet microchip is a small identification device placed under the skin that contains a unique identification number. A scanner can read the number, but the chip does not independently store your phone number or address, so registration and updated contact information are essential. Microchipping is not the same as GPS tracking. It is designed to help identify a pet and connect it with owner information stored in a microchip registry.

1. A Microchip Is Not a GPS Tracker

One of the most common misconceptions about microchipping is that it allows owners to track their pet’s location.

It does not.

A standard identification microchip:

• Does not provide live location tracking.
• Does not have a battery.
• Does not transmit your pet’s location.
• Is read using a compatible scanner.
• Contains a unique identification number.

If your pet escapes, you cannot use the microchip to open an app and see where they are. Instead, if someone finds your pet and takes them to a veterinary hospital, shelter, or other facility with a scanner, the microchip can help identify them.

Microchip vs. GPS tracker

Feature	Microchip	GPS Tracker
Identification	Yes	Usually not its primary purpose
Location tracking	No	Yes
Requires battery	No	Usually
Read by scanner	Yes	No
Can help reunite lost pets	Yes	Yes, when functioning and attached

For many pets, using a microchip along with a collar and identification tag provides multiple ways to help establish ownership.

2. Registration Is Just as Important as the Microchip

Getting the chip implanted is only one part of the process. The microchip number needs to be connected to your contact information through the appropriate registry.

After microchipping, make sure you:

• Obtain the microchip number.
• Confirm the registry information.
• Provide your current phone number.
• Add your current address.
• Include an emergency contact when appropriate.
• Keep the information updated.
• Check the registration after moving or changing phone numbers.

An unregistered microchip may not provide much help if nobody can connect its identification number to you. This is one of the most important pet microchipping facts for new owners.

3. Microchipping Is Usually Quick, but Your Pet May Notice the Injection

A microchip is placed beneath the skin using a specialized applicator.

The procedure is generally quick, but your pet may briefly react to the needle.

Your veterinarian may:

1. Confirm your pet’s identity and information.
2. Scan the microchip before placement when appropriate.
3. Place the microchip under the skin.
4. Scan the area afterward to confirm the chip can be detected.
5. Provide information about registration.

The exact process can vary depending on the veterinary practice and your pet’s individual needs. If your pet is anxious about handling, tell the veterinary team before the procedure so they can help make the experience as comfortable as possible.

4. A Microchip Does Not Replace a Collar and ID Tag

Microchipping is valuable, but it should not be considered your pet’s only form of identification.

A collar tag allows someone who finds your pet to contact you without needing access to a microchip scanner.

Ideally, your pet should have:

• A properly fitted collar
• Current identification information
• A registered microchip
• Updated owner contact details

These identification methods work together.

For example, someone who finds your dog may immediately see your phone number on their tag and call you. If the collar is missing, a veterinary hospital or shelter may discover the microchip during scanning.

5. You Need to Keep Your Information Updated

Your pet’s microchip is only useful for reunification if the information connected to it is accurate.

Moving to a new home or changing your phone number can create a problem if the registry is never updated.

Update your pet’s microchip information when you:

• Move to a new address.
• Change your phone number.
• Change your email address.
• Transfer ownership.
• Add or change an emergency contact.
• Notice incorrect registry information.

It can also be helpful to periodically confirm that your information is still correct.

Is Microchipping Safe for Dogs and Cats?

Microchipping is a common identification method for dogs and cats.

Like any procedure involving an injection, there can be minor risks, such as temporary soreness or irritation at the placement site.

Talk with your veterinarian if you notice:

• Persistent swelling
• Significant redness
• Discharge
• Ongoing pain
• A noticeable change at the implantation site

Most importantly, your veterinarian can discuss whether microchipping is appropriate for your individual pet.

What Happens If a Microchipped Pet Gets Lost?

If a lost pet is found and taken to a facility that uses a compatible microchip scanner, staff can scan the pet for an identification chip.

The unique number can then be checked against available registry information.

The process may look like this:

Lost pet → Pet is found → Microchip is scanned → Identification number is located → Registry is checked → Owner is contacted

This is why registration and current contact information matter so much.

Can a Microchip Move Under a Pet’s Skin?

Microchips are designed to remain under the skin, but they can sometimes shift slightly from their original placement. This is one reason scanning should be performed correctly. Veterinary professionals and animal-care facilities can scan the appropriate areas when checking a lost pet for identification. If you ever have concerns about your pet’s microchip, your veterinarian can scan it to confirm that it is detectable.

What If My Pet Already Has a Microchip?

If you adopted an adult dog or cat, do not automatically assume that you need another microchip.

Ask your veterinarian to scan your pet first.

If a chip is found:

• Record the identification number.
• Determine which registry is associated with it.
• Confirm that ownership information is correct.
• Update your contact details if necessary.
• Ask about transferring registration if the pet has a previous owner.

Avoid having another chip implanted simply because you do not know whether your pet already has one.

When Is the Best Time to Microchip a Pet?

There is no universal age that applies to every pet. Microchipping can often be discussed during routine veterinary care, and the appropriate timing depends on your pet’s age, health, lifestyle, and individual circumstances.

Your veterinarian can help you decide based on:

• Puppy or kitten age
• Adoption history
• Travel plans
• Outdoor access
• Existing identification
• Overall health
• Upcoming veterinary procedures

Hypothetical Example: A Lost Dog Finds His Way Home

Imagine a dog named Rocky who escapes through an open gate while his family is away. His collar becomes detached during the search, so the person who finds him has no visible identification. The finder takes Rocky to a veterinary hospital, where staff scan him and discover a registered microchip. Because Rocky’s owner’s phone number is current, the family can be contacted and reunited with him. This hypothetical example highlights an important point: the microchip itself does not find the pet. It helps identify the pet after someone finds it.

Conclusion

Microchipping can provide an important layer of identification for dogs and cats, but owners should understand its limitations. It is not a GPS tracker, and the chip alone does not contain your current phone number or address. Registration and updated contact information are essential if the chip is ever scanned after your pet becomes lost. A collar and identification tag should also be maintained because they provide visible identification. If your pet already has a chip, have it scanned before considering another one. If you are willing to take suggestions regarding microchipping or its benefits of doing it with a veterinarian near you, then Spencer Animal Hospital in Pasadena, TX, can help you by providing the necessary suggestions. 

FAQs

Q1: What is a pet microchip and how does it work?
A: A pet microchip is a small identification device placed under the skin. It contains a unique identification number that can be read with an appropriate scanner and linked to owner information through a registry.

Q2: Does a pet microchip track my pet’s location?
A: No. A standard identification microchip does not provide GPS tracking or live location information. It helps identify your pet if they are found and scanned by a facility with the appropriate equipment.

Q3: Do I need to register my pet’s microchip?
A: Yes. Registration connects the microchip’s identification number with your contact information. Keeping your phone number, address, and other details current is essential.

Q4: Can a microchip replace my pet’s collar and ID tag?
A: No. A collar and visible identification tag can allow someone to contact you without scanning the pet. A registered microchip provides an additional form of identification if the collar is lost.

Q5: Is microchipping painful or dangerous for pets?
A: Microchipping involves a brief injection under the skin, so your pet may experience temporary discomfort. Discuss any concerns with your veterinarian, who can explain the procedure and monitor your pet as needed.