When should I microchip my pet?

Every pet should have microchip identification as the procedure can be done at any age. As separation from your cat or dog can happen all too easily, permanent identification by microchipping is critical.

How does microchipping work?

The small microchip (the size of a grain of rice) is injected under the skin between the shoulder blades of your pet in a relatively harmless procedure. The chip is permanent, lasting the life of your pet. Your information has to be registered so that you can be contacted if your pet ever becomes lost.

When a pet is found, animal care facilities (shelters, hospitals, etc.) can scan the pet for a microchip using a special microchip reader that is simply waved over the skin. Once a microchip is found, a hotline is called, and the lost pet is reported. The registered pet owner is then called immediately and given the contact information about where their pet is located.