How Much Is It To Have My Dog Microchipped?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Nationwide, the average cost to microchip a pet at your veterinarian is

$45

, but it may vary depending on where you live. The microchipping and registration procedure depend on the type of facility you choose and whether you need to register the chip online yourself or if it is done for you by the provider.

Is microchipping a dog worth it?

Microchipping a pet is quick, easy, and relatively inexpensive, and

the benefits usually outweigh the risks

. We're big fans of it, but the decision is still a personal one, so you should give it a bit of thought before you march your pet into your vet's office.

Can I microchip my dog myself?


Refrain from microchipping your dog yourself

.

You should not inject your dog with a microchip at home. It is illegal in many states to implant your dog yourself and you can have legal action brought against you. Even if you are able to buy a microchip from a third part source, do not implant the chip yourself.

Can I get a GPS chip for my dog?

However, it's important to be aware, that at this time,

there is no such thing as a dog tracker chip that combines both a microchip and GPS tracker into one

. There is no such technology which combines both a microchip and GPS tracker into one.

At what age can a puppy be microchipped?

When Should You Get Your Chipped? The sooner you get your puppy microchipped, the sooner your dog is protected should it get loose or become lost. This is why many veterinarians recommend having your puppy microchipped at

eight weeks of age

.

Is microchipping expensive?

Q: What does it cost? A: If you're going to a vet just to get a microchip done, it's probably going to cost

around $50

. But if you have it done while you're having other things done, like your regular check up, then it will probably be a bit less because you've already paid for the office visit.

How much does it cost to microchip a dog at PetSmart?

PetSmart does offer microchipping services for dogs and cats through its association with Banfield Pet Clinics. The price of getting your pet microchipped at PetSmart costs around

$25-$50

depending on the location and uses HomeAgain microchips. It is recommended to call ahead to book an appointment.

How much is it to chip a dog UK?

The average cost of getting your dog microchipped and registered on a database is

£10.90

. Some councils will microchip dogs for between £8–15. Vets may charge up to £30. Some database companies charge for updating information.

Do microchips have GPS?


Pet microchips do not have GPS technology

. Instead, they use Radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology that is able to be scanned for information, like the pet owner's contact information. This means that microchips can't give your pet's location if they get lost, but can lead to their safe return when found.

How long does a microchip last in a dog?

When a microchip scanner is passed over the pet, the microchip gets enough power from the scanner to transmit the microchip's ID number. Since there's no battery and no moving parts, there's nothing to keep charged, wear out, or replace. The microchip will last

your pet's lifetime

.

How does microchipping your dog work?

A pet microchip

uses a radio frequency known as RFID to transmit the ID number stored on the microchip to the scanning device that reads the pet's unique number and displays it

. Pet Microchips do not require a power source like a GPS (Global Positioning Device) so there are never any batteries to replace or charge.

How much does a GPS chip cost?

Hardwired GPS trackers, which are generally hidden from plain view and connected directly to your vehicle's battery, will generally cost

between $250-$350

.

How big is a pet microchip?

The Microchipping Procedure

Microchipping is a quick procedure that can be performed by any licensed veterinarian. The microchip,

no larger than 12mm in length

, is injected between the shoulder blades just under your pet's skin.

Is it illegal to buy a puppy without microchip?


Puppies cannot be sold until they're eight weeks old, and they must be microchipped before you can buy them

. Breeders must also register their details on the database, and their details will be recorded against the microchip for the life of the dog.

Can I bathe my dog after microchipping?


You may bathe your pet 24 hours after chipping

. If you are a “vigorous” bather, wait a couple of days.

What are the side effects of microchipping a dog?

Although side effects are uncommon, microchipping a dog can sometimes bring upon varied effects such as

temporary bleeding, hair loss, infection, abscesses and microchip migration

. But the vast majority of dogs experience minimal or zero side effects from the implantation process.

What does a microchip for a dog look like?

How do you check if a dog is microchipped?

To tell if a dog is microchipped,

gently feel the dog's skin between its shoulder blades and its neck. See if you can feel a small, hard object about the size of a grain of rice just beneath the skin

. If so, the dog is microchipped. If you can't feel a chip, however, the dog may still have one.

Does microchipping hurt puppies?


Microchipping is a painless procedure

Many owners naturally worry that placing a microchip inside their dog's body will hurt. In fact, the procedure takes seconds and no anesthetic is required. The chip is injected between the shoulder blades, and your dog won't feel a thing.

Can PetSmart scan microchips?


Petsmart checks microchips and implants them through their partnership with Banfield Pet Hospital

, which has over 900 different locations nationwide.

Where are cat microchips placed?

For cats, the standard site for microchip placement is

in the subcutaneous tissue between the shoulder blades

. For correct placement, your cat should be either standing or lying on her stomach. The loose skin between the shoulder blades is gently pulled up, and the needle is quickly inserted.

Do I have to pay to register my dogs microchip UK?


Pet microchip databases charge an admin fee of between £6 and £20 to change and update dogs' details

. Some will charge you each time you want to change your details, and others charge an upfront fee that covers all changes for the whole of your dog's life. Check with your database to find out how they are administered.

Do vets scan for MicroChips UK?

Whilst microchipping has been compulsory for dogs in England, Scotland and Wales since 2016,

there are currently no legal requirements for veterinarians, local authorities or highways agencies to scan dogs or cats in any circumstance

.

Can you scan a dog chip with your phone?

Unfortunately, no.

A smart phone can not and will not ever be able to read a pet's microchip

. There are no apps for iphone or android that do this and there never will be.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.