How Pet Microchips Work & Does Your Pet Need One?

Microchips for dogs and cats have become common in recent years, to the point that most young pets already have them implanted by the time of adoption. But what are microchips exactly, and how do they work for the benefit of you and your pet? The main purpose of these chips is to store your contact information. Statistics show that millions of pets go missing across the United States and Canada every year, and microchips can go a long way in helping to reunite lost dogs and cats with their humans.

If you’re new to your pet having one though or are wondering if you really need to get one for your dog or cat, it can be helpful to learn more about how microchips for pets work and get answers to some commonly asked questions about them. Let’s dive in, shall we?

What pet microchips are

A pet microchip or RFID implant (that stands for “radio-frequency identification”) is a tiny device, only slightly bigger than a grain of rice, that's placed just under your pet’s skin and stores important information that can be easily scanned in the future by any animal shelter or veterinarian. The chip itself is enclosed in a bio-glass or polymer casing, which provide a protective shell to keep the chip in place and ensure it won’t cause any harm or irritation to your pet.

Nowadays, most pets already have microchips in them by the time you pick them up from a shelter or responsible breeder. A veterinarian or vet tech will place the microchip via a large, specially-designed syringe, usually right between a dog or cat’s shoulder blades. Once it’s placed, the vet or technician will usually scan it to make sure it’s working and properly registered with your contact information. These chips don’t work like GPS devices — they don’t actively track your pet. They can only be manually scanned for information.

Don’t worry too much about the implantation process hurting your pet, by the way. The process takes just a few seconds and leaves only a tiny spot that heals quickly. It’s like a little pinch that’s over as quickly as it began. No surgery or anesthesia is needed, and your pet shouldn’t be able to feel the microchip at all once it’s in.

What information is stored on a pet microchip?

Microchips for dogs and cats are smaller than a bean or pill capsule, but they sure can have a huge impact. Think of pet microchips as serving the same purpose as traditional dog tags, only they’re inside your pet where they can’t be scratched or bitten off.

As noted earlier, these chips store important information to help track your pet. However, it’s not your name or address that comes up when the chip is scanned. In lieu of this explicit info, each microchip stores a unique identification number — nothing more. It doesn’t hold the pet’s name, your contact details, or medical records. Instead, when the chip is scanned, the ID number is displayed, which can then be looked up in a microchip registry. That’s where your contact information, the pet’s details, and sometimes their medical needs are stored.

Also contrary to popular belief, the chip itself has no battery or tracking ability. Again, it simply provides a permanent ID link. This is why it’s so important to register your pet’s chip and keep your contact info up to date in the database (especially if your pet had a previous owner!). Without any of those details, the microchip can’t be of much help.

Health concerns

Complications from pet microchips are rare, but as with any medical intervention — even the most mild procedures — there is still some risk of side effects. Some swelling and bruising at the injection site is normal, but misplacement or a malfunction with the chip could result in some more serious issues. These include (but may not be limited to) the following:

• The chip migrating to a different part of the body
• Allergic reaction or irritation
• Infection
• Nerve damage
• Damage to the skin or muscle
• A tumor developing at the injection site

Fortunately the risk of complications from microchips can be minimized with certain precautions. The injection site should be cleaned first, just as only clean, sterilized needles and microchips should be used. Only an experienced and licensed veterinarian or vet tech should implant the chip, and pets should be kept calm and in a still position during the process. Even so, if you notice any behavioral changes in your pet or signs of distress, give their veterinarian a call.

Am I legally required to get my pet microchipped?

There is currently no national law in Canada that requires pet owners to microchip dogs and cats. However, some cities and provinces have started to require it. In British Columbia, for example, a permanent form of pet identification is required in the form of either a microchip or tattoo. Over in Quebec, pet microchipping is still optional on the provincial level, but many cities — including Montreal and Laval — do require it.

To be a responsible pet parent, it’s imperative that you check your own local laws first to see what is required in terms of pet identification. Just because you live in an area that doesn’t require it though doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still consider getting your pet microchipped. Doing so is also strongly recommended by vets and animal welfare groups.

Do indoor cats need to be microchipped?

Indoor-only cats are very common, especially in the US and Canada due to various outdoor predators and other dangers that could befall roaming felines. Even though indoor cats rarely venture outside, microchipping them is still a smart move. Accidents happen — doors get left open, windows break, or a scared cat might bolt during a move or emergency. If your indoor cat gets lost, a microchip greatly increases the chance you’ll be reunited. Collars and tags can fall off or get removed, but a microchip is a permanent form of ID that stays with your cat for life. It’s quick, safe, and relatively inexpensive.

Protect your pet

Getting your pet microchipped can help protect against disaster and reunite you and your pal in the event you get separated. There’s no telling what will happen in an emergency situation, and pets can get lost in just minutes. In addition to getting them microchipped in the first place, be sure to update your pet’s registration information whenever you change addresses or if your pet has new medical information to add. And, while you’re considering their safety, you can protect your dog or cat further with a good pet medical insurance policy. Learn more about how pet insurance can help with pet emergencies.