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The main benefits of microchipping your pet are making identification easier and increasing the chances of being reunited if they get lost. But if your pet isn’t already microchipped when you get them, you might want some more information about the process before taking your pet to the vet to get one.
Let’s dig into some of the common questions around pet microchipping and explain how MetLife Pet policies might help you with microchipping and lost pet costs.
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A microchip is a small electronic device that transmits an identification (ID) number to a handheld device when scanned. Roughly the size of a grain of rice, these chips are usually injected under a pet’s skin, between their shoulder blades. If your pet were to get lost, a microchip could help confirm their identity once they’re found.1,2
No, microchipping your pet doesn’t require surgery or any sort of anesthesia. The process of implanting a microchip is fast, mostly painless, and can be done during a regular vet visit.
Your vet uses a needle containing the microchip and inserts it just under the skin. It shouldn’t hurt your pet any more than a typical injection would. If you’d rather, microchipping can happen during a scheduled procedure while your pet is already under anesthesia — like spaying or neutering.1,2
It’s not advisable to microchip your dog or cat yourself. While it’s a quick injection that seems easy to do, improper implantation could cause issues for your pet or the chip. Leave this process to the professionals.1
Once a microchip is implanted, a scanner is passed over it to activate the chip and its unique ID number. The scanner “reads” the chip ID number and displays it on the screen. The person scanning can enter the number in a database to see if an owner has registered the chip. If so, they can get the owner’s contact information and try to arrange a reunion.1,2 This is why it’s important to register the microchip and keep your information updated.
Microchips and scanners can operate on different frequencies. Some scanners are tuned to a specific frequency that can only read microchips tuned to that same frequency. To help establish a worldwide identification system, the International Standards Organization (ISO) created ISO-standard microchips and scanners that are both tuned to 134.2 kHz — and suggested everyone use them as the standard.1
However, there are also universal scanners, which can read any microchip frequency. So as long as a universal scanner is used, your pet’s microchip has a better chance of being detected regardless of the frequency it’s tuned to.1
If you’re traveling or moving to a different country, do some research to find any guidelines or rules that country has about microchip frequencies and requirements.1
While microchips can help reunite stolen or lost pets, they don’t have an internal tracking or location system. In fact, they don’t even have a battery. Microchips aren’t “on” all the time — they simply transmit an ID number when a scanner activates and reads the chip through a radio wave.1
Yes, pet microchips are considered safe for most dogs and cats. After implantation, adverse reactions are very low, but could include:1
It’s rare for microchips to cause sickness or allergic reactions since they’re made with materials meant to be compatible with your pet’s body.2 If you think your pet is having an adverse reaction to microchipping, it’s a good idea to take them to your vet.
There’s not enough evidence to definitely state that microchips can cause cancer — your pet’s risk of developing it due to a microchip is very low.1 In general, microchips are safe, and very few animals have adverse reactions.
The cost to implant a pet microchip is usually around $25 – $50, depending on the facility where it’s done and the area you live. Sometimes the cost includes the initial registration fee, if there is one.3 If you’re adopting a pet who was microchipped after they arrived at the shelter or rescue, this cost could be lumped into your adoption fees.
Some registration companies offer their services for a small fee, but in many cases, you can keep the information updated for free.2
Microchips themselves don’t require maintenance. Once it’s been implanted, just register your pet. The only maintenance required after that is keeping your contact information in the microchip registry up to date if you move, get a different number, or change your name. You also need to make sure you pay any fees associated with the registry.1,2
Most vet clinics or shelters that implanted your pet’s microchip will let you know which registry to submit your information to based on the manufacturer of the chip. If not, bring your pet in for a quick scan to get the ID number and look up the manufacturer. Once you know which registry to use, you typically just need the microchip number and your personal contact information to complete the registration process online or over the phone.1,4
You can also add pet details to your registry account. Identifiers or necessary medical information could be crucial in making sure the right pet gets to the right owner, or keeping your pet healthy after they’re found.4
When you register your pet’s microchip, you choose what personal data you provide the registry with. The only time anyone should have access to the information is if they scan the chip and find you in the registry. There’s no personal data stored on the chip itself other than the unique ID number.1,2
Many shelters and rescues scan animals for microchips when they’re brought in. Some places may even microchip animals that don’t already have one to help protect them in the future.1 If you just adopted an animal, staff members will likely inform you if your new pet has a microchip.
If this information isn’t provided, you can ask the staff to scan your pet — or take them to your vet’s office and have them scan for one. Keep in mind that even if there’s a microchip, you’ll need to register that chip in your name and contact information with the associated registration company.2
Even if your pet has a microchip, that doesn’t mean there’s a 100% guarantee you’ll find your pet if they’re separated from you. Very occasionally, microchips might fail, scanners can have issues, or someone may scan the chip improperly. Excessive fat, matted hair, or a metal collar near the implant site could also interfere with scanning. However, microchipping your pet can significantly increase the chances of your pet returning home if found.1,3
Microchips offer a permanent way to identify your pet. They also increase the likelihood that you and your pet will be reunited after separation. When your contact information is up to date in the registry, vets or shelters can more easily get in touch with you and return your furry family — sometimes more quickly than if your pet wasn’t microchipped.3,4
ID tags and collars can come off, the information on them can become worn down, or they may not be on when a pet gets stolen or lost. Even slightly more permanent forms of identification, like ID tattoos, can be hard to read or locate, much less find the owner’s information. They can also fade or be altered. Pet microchips provide lifelong identification that can’t be tampered with, and are a great complement to ID tags.3,5
No pet parent ever wants to go through the experience of their beloved pet becoming lost or taken. Between printing out and putting up flyers, offering lost pet rewards, and search efforts, the time and money spent can feel overwhelming. But microchipping your pet can make it easier — and more likely — to bring them home.
Pet insurance might also be able to help you. With MetLife Pet, you could be reimbursed for lost pet advertising and reward costs.6 And if you add our optional Preventive Care plan to your policy, you could get reimbursements for pet microchipping costs up to your selected benefit limit. Focus your energy on getting them back, not the costs. Get a free quote for a pet insurance policy today.
