5 Essential Facts About Your Pet’s Microchip Every Owner Should Know
Losing a pet is every pet owner’s worst nightmare. That’s why microchipping has become a crucial part of pet safety and identification. While collars and ID tags can fall off or become damaged, a microchip provides permanent identification that can help reunite you with your furry friend if they ever get lost.
At Express Vets Cumming, we believe in empowering pet parents with the knowledge they need to keep their pets safe. Here are five important facts every pet owner in the U.S. should know about pet microchips.
1. A Microchip Is Not a GPS Device
One of the most common misconceptions is that a microchip tracks your pet’s location like a GPS. In reality, a microchip is a small radio-frequency identification (RFID) device—about the size of a grain of rice—implanted under your pet’s skin. It does not emit signals or track your pet. Instead, it contains a unique ID number that can be read by a scanner.
When a lost pet is found and scanned at a shelter or veterinary clinic, the ID number is used to retrieve your contact information from a national registry.
2. Microchipping Is Quick, Safe, and Painless
The microchipping process is simple and can be done during a routine vet visit. Using a needle, the chip is inserted just under the skin, typically between the shoulder blades.
Most pets react as they would to a routine vaccination—meaning minimal discomfort. No anesthesia is required, and the entire procedure takes only a few seconds.
Once in place, the chip stays with your pet for life.
3. Registration Is Just as Important as the Chip Itself
A microchip alone won’t help if your contact information isn’t registered or kept up to date. After your pet is chipped, you must register the chip with your name, address, and phone number in a pet recovery database.
If you move or change phone numbers, always remember to update the registry. A microchip is only as effective as the accuracy of the information tied to it.
4. Microchips Greatly Increase Your Chances of Being Reunited
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, dogs with microchips are more than twice as likely to be returned to their owners, and cats are more than 20 times more likely.
Even indoor pets can escape or get lost during travel, moves, or emergencies. A microchip gives your pet the best chance of finding their way home if the unthinkable happens.
5. Microchipping Is a One-Time Investment That Lasts a Lifetime
Once your pet is microchipped, there’s no need for replacements or upgrades. The chip lasts the lifetime of your pet and does not require a battery or any maintenance.
Most shelters and animal control centers scan every lost pet they receive. If your pet is found and scanned, a properly registered chip ensures your contact details are only a phone call away.
At Express Vets Cumming, we’re committed to helping you protect the pets you love. If your pet hasn’t been microchipped yet—or if you’re not sure whether their information is up to date— visit us at 5485 Bethelview Rd. Suite 440,Cumming, GA 30040 or call (470) 239-7672. Microchipping is one of the simplest, most effective ways to safeguard your pet’s future.
