How Much Does Microchipping a Cat Cost?
Key takeaways:
Having a microchip implanted in your cat makes it easier for vets and animal organization professionals to contact you if your lost pet is found.
The microchip contains your cat’s unique ID number, which is registered in a national database and linked to your contact information. Vet and animal organization professionals can access this information to notify you that your pet has been found.
The average cost of microchipping a cat is $45, but the cost can vary. Your local animal welfare agency, shelter, or rescue organization may offer free or discounted cat microchipping, as well.
About 10 million pets go missing every year, according to the nonprofit American Humane. And only 2% of cats without ID tags or microchips in shelters are rejoined with their owners. Even if your cat typically stays indoors, an open door or an unforeseen emergency can lead to your kitty getting lost. But microchipping them helps ensure that you’ll have a better chance of being reunited when they’re found.
While a physical ID tag may feel like an equally good or better alternative to a microchip, these tags can be lost, hard to read, or contain out-of-date information. On the other hand, having a microchip makes your cat 20 times more likely to be returned to you if they get lost.
Also, microchipping your cat may be required where you live. Some cities — including Houston, Texas, and Fayetteville, Arkansas — require all pet owners to microchip their dogs and cats.
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What is a pet microchip?
A pet microchip is an implantable transponder that’s about the size of a grain of rice and uses radio frequency identification, or RFID. When the microchip is scanned, the radio waves transmit a pet’s unique ID number, which contains 9, 10, or 15 digits.
This ID number is linked to a database that contains the owner’s contact information. So the individual scanning the cat or dog can access the information and reach out to the owner.
How much does it cost to microchip a cat?
According to Pet Keen, the cost of microchipping a cat averages $45 when it’s done by a veterinarian. But the cost can vary depending on where you get the procedure done and the type of microchip implanted.
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If you adopt a cat from a shelter, they may already have a microchip. And if you get a cat from a breeder, the breeder might have a microchip implanted before you pick up your kitten. However, in either case, you may still have to pay to link your personal information to the cat's ID number in a microchip registry.
The cost of getting a cat microchipped may also include:
The cost of a wellness check, if they are visiting a vet for the first time
Additional veterinary fees
A fee for registering the cat's ID number in a database
It’s important to note that some microchips also require an annual registration fee.
If you need free or low-cost microchipping for your cat, check with your local animal welfare agency, shelter, or adoption center. They may offer complimentary or discounted microchipping at certain times during the year or for cats belonging to older owners.
Is microchipping covered by pet insurance?
Pet insurance may cover the cost of microchipping your cat if you have preventive care coverage, which typically involves a higher premium. But, even then, registering your cat’s ID number may not be included. And your policy may require you to pay for the microchipping up front and get reimbursed.
For example, Embrace Pet Insurance has a wellness plan that covers microchipping through reimbursement, which requires pet owners to pay for the service upfront.
What are the benefits of microchipping your cat?
Microchipping your cat can ensure you can more easily find them if they get lost, such as during an emergency.
In a study cited by the American Veterinary Medical Association, microchipped cats were reunited with their owners more often than stray cats.
When public shelters can’t locate a pet’s owner, they have short holding periods that typically range from 2 days to 10 days, depending on the location. After the holding period ends, the facility can place the cat up for adoption or take other measures.
When is the right time to microchip your cat?
Kittens can typically get microchipped as early as 8 weeks old, but it’s possible for them to receive the implant earlier.
You can consult your veterinarian about the right time to microchip your cat. And you may also need to look at your city's pet microchip policy, which may have an age requirement. For example, Fayetteville requires cats 4 months old and older to have a microchip.
Can microchipping be painful for cats?
Getting a microchip should be virtually painless for your cat — around the “ouch level” of receiving vaccines. During the procedure, your veterinarian will inject the microchip into your cat with a small, thin needle. The chip will likely be placed between your cat's shoulder blades.
In general, it’s advised to leave this procedure to a veterinary professional. They can ensure the implant is in the correct location to be read by a scanner and are trained to minimize your pet's discomfort.
Microchip side effects are rare, but possible. Since 1996, the British Small Animal Veterinary Association has compiled a database of more than 4 million microchipped animals and found that less than 400 had adverse reactions related to the implants. These rare reactions included hair loss, infection, and swelling. If you're concerned about side effects, ask your veterinarian for more information.
How can you look up your cat’s microchip?
You can look up your cat’s microchip by contacting the vet, shelter, or rescue organization that performed the implant or the facility where you adopted your pet. The attached ID number should have 9, 10, or 15 digits.
The bottom line
Microchipping your cat makes it more likely that you’ll be reunited with them if they get lost. And some cities require both cats and dogs to have microchips.
The cost of microchipping a cat averages $45, but you may be able to pay less or get the service for free at a public animal shelter or adoption center. Or if you have a pet insurance plan, the procedure may be covered under a preventive rider.
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References
American Humane. (2019). ‘Every Day is Tag Day™’ — Is your pet protected?
American Veterinary Medical Association. (n.d.). Microchipping FAQ.
Brown, S. (2023). Animal Welfare offering free microchipping in June. KRQE News.
City of Fayetteville Arkansas. (n.d.). City pet microchipping.
Embrace Pet Insurance. (n.d.). Embrace Wellness Rewards plan.
Heartland Animal Hospital. (2019). When should I microchip my kitten?
Kim, J. (2023). How much does it cost to microchip your cat? (2023 update). Pet Keen.
LA Animal Services. (n.d.). Microchipping.
M., H. (n.d.). Microchipping and lost pet prevention. ASPCA Pet Health Insurance.
Reisen, J. (2021). How do pet microchips work and should my dog have one? American Kennel Club.
Sessions, K. (2023). Houston pet owners must now microchip their animals to avoid fine. Chron.
Southern Arizona Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center. (2022). Avoid these 5 microchip mistakes with your pet.
The Humane Society of the United States. (n.d.). High tech: Identifying lost pets with microchips.
