Reviewed by Dr. Fiona Lee
Whether your dog is your permanent sidekick or they stay home when you travel, consider microchipping. It's a safe procedure for dogs of any age and could be required if your furry buddy is part of your vacation plans. Should you get separated from your dog for any reason, at home or on the road, there's a far better chance of a reunion with a microchip in place.
Don't think of a microchip as a GPS unit or a covert tracking device from a spy movie. Microchips are permanent identification tags—and a fail-safe backup to those jingly metal tags on your dog's collar, which could fall off or get left hanging on a hook in your hallway when they're needed in action.
Nonetheless, as a responsible pet parent, you may still be asking, "Should I microchip my dog?" Here are the pros and cons of chipping your dog so you can make an informed choice.
What is microchipping a dog?
Microchipping a dog involves implanting a small electronic ID tag under a dog's skin, typically between their shoulders.1 When read by a scanner, a microchip conveys crucial ownership information to facilitate reunions between lost dogs and their owners. Microchipping has become a standard practice for pet identification that's widely endorsed by veterinary professionals and animal welfare organizations.
Microchips can be scanned by your vet or at humane societies and animal shelters, where missing dogs often end up. Thousands of pets have been reunited with their families thanks to a microchip implant.2
How do dog microchips work?
Microchips, which use radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, are encased in narrow glass or polyester capsules about the size of a grain of rice.1 Microchips do not have an internal power source and aren't "on," so they will never heat up or harm your dog.
Your dog's microchip will contain a unique code—either 9, 10 or 15 digits in length.3 It's crucial, however, to register your dog's microchip code with your local database. Lean on your veterinarian to guide you through this process and provide the proper forms, if necessary.
And remember to keep the microchip's data current! If you ever relocate, update the address and contact information associated with the microchip. Make a habit of confirming the microchip's presence during your dog's annual wellness exam. You shouldn't have to replace the microchip, as it will last your dog's lifetime, and it never expires.4
Pros of microchipping dogs
Microchips are recommended by most veterinarians and major animal welfare organizations, and there are many other benefits of microchipping your dog.5
Microchips provide permanent identification
Microchips are tamper-proof, permanent and virtually harmless. Once a microchip is implanted, you never have to replace it! Whereas even if your pooch wears all the required tags (name, vaccine and license info), collars can get lost or forgotten, or your dog might panic and leave your property without their collar on. If your dog ever gets spooked by thunderstorms or fireworks or gets lost in a major weather event, you'll wish there was a microchip in place. Likewise, tattoos are another somewhat common form of pet identification, but they can fade over time and can be altered.1
It's a safe and simple procedure
Microchipping a dog is a safe and fast procedure—a simple injection that takes seconds.1 Having a microchip implanted is a minimally painful procedure, akin to having blood drawn. The needle is a little thicker than a typical vaccine needle, but your pet will likely not even flinch. No healing time is required, but in rare cases, some minor inflammation is noted.6
Pet owners may choose to have a microchip implanted when another normal procedure is done, such as spaying or neutering, but it can be done at any time. Many dog breeders implant microchips for their customers, providing them with the needed information the moment the puppy first goes to their forever home.
It enhances the chances of a reunion with a lost pup
Although it's not a guarantee of getting your dog back, microchipping improves your chances of a family reunion. In contrast, only 15% of dogs and 2% of cats in shelters without ID tags or microchips are reunited with their owners.7 Studies have shown that microchipped dogs were returned to their owners at more than double the overall rate for all stray dogs.8
It might be necessary for travel
If you're hitting the road with your pooch, microchipping helps ensure you can quickly find and reunite with your pet if they get lost or separated during the trip. Moreover, some countries may legally require dogs to be microchipped.1
Something to note: Many countries require that pet microchips be compliant with International Organization for Standardization (ISO) regulations, so you'll want to verify that yours is ISO-compliant if you're planning to travel abroad with your dog.9
It signifies your dog's importance
Microchipping is also a message. Some veterinarians, when forced to make split-second animal care decisions, may prioritize lifesaving measures for stray or lost dogs that have a microchip. Permanent identification is a sign that somebody loves this dog and wants them to come home!
Cons of microchipping dogs
While microchipping is generally safe and beneficial, there are some potential drawbacks to consider. However, these issues are relatively minor compared to the overall benefits of microchipping dogs.
Rare side effects are possible
Microchipping is mostly safe, but in rare cases, there might be slight swelling or discomfort where the chip is placed. There have been no reports of long-term side effects or illnesses as a result of a microchip implant. If you have concerns, talk to your vet.
Microchip movement can happen (but rarely)
The microchip shouldn't move, but in the rare event that a microchip migrates from the original insertion point over time, clinics and shelters know to scan the entire animal to find it.4
Microchipping costs money
Microchip implants range in cost from $25 to $60, including the cost to register your contact information.10 It's best to schedule the procedure during a regular veterinarian visit to keep costs down. If the microchipping cost is a barrier, ask your regional humane society if they host microchipping clinics.
Tracking capabilities are limited
Microchips in dogs lack real-time tracking or GPS. Rather, they're a reliable form of identification when scanned by authorized individuals. Perhaps in the future, a smartphone app will allow you to track your dog's precise location at any time.
Some pet parents may have privacy concerns
Some pet owners may worry about keeping their personal information safe, especially when it's stored on a database. Some microchip databases even allow for the storage of medical information, like allergies.
However, the only information on the chip is what you provide, and there are protections in place to prevent someone from looking up other people's information from their dog's microchip.8 Microchips are not actively transmitting or receiving data, so your personal information is safe.
The bottom line: Should I microchip my dog?
Microchipping your dog is a responsible thing to do, and the best way to facilitate a reunion if your dog is missing. While there are some minor concerns, such as your pet's comfort at the time of implantation, the benefits clearly outweigh any risks.8 If you have questions, getting expert advice, particularly from someone with knowledge of your local and regional microchip databases, can ease your mind as you make this decision.
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Sources/Citations
1. “Microchipping Your Dog," C. Barnes et al., VCA Animal Hospitals, https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/microchipping-your-dog
2. “Characterization of animals with microchips entering animal shelters," L.K. Lord et al. (7/ 2009), Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/javma/235/2/javma.235.2.160.xml
3. “Microchip Registry Lookup," American Animal Hospital Association, https://www.aaha.org/petmicrochiplookup
4. “Microchipping 101: Answers to 7 Questions Every Pet Owner Should Know," (4/2023), Emancipet, https://emancipet.org/blog/2023/04/microchipping-101-answers-to-7-questions-every-pet-owner-should-know/
5. “Are You a Prepared Guardian? Microchips Are Important for Animal Safety," (5/2023), People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, https://www.peta.org/living/animal-companions/microchip/
6. “Pros & Cons To Getting Your Pet Microchipped," M. Willcox (5/2022), York Professional Pet Sitting, https://yorkprofessionalpetsitting.com/pros-cons-to-getting-your-pet-microchipped/
7. "'Every Day is Tag Day™' — Is Your Pet Protected?" (4/2019), American Humane, https://www.americanhumane.org/blog/every-day-is-tag-day-is-your-pet-protected
8. “Microchipping FAQ," American Veterinary Medical Association, https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/microchips-reunite-pets-families/microchipping-faq
9. “The Importance of Microchipping and the ISO Standard," K. May (4/2015), Today's Veterinary Practice, https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/practice-management/back-page-veterinary-viewpoints-importance-microchipping/
10. “How Much Does It Cost to Microchip a Dog?" J. Wimmer (12/2023), MarketWatch, https://www.marketwatch.com/guides/pet-insurance/how-much-does-it-cost-microchip-a-dog/