How Much Does Microchipping a Dog Cost?
Key takeaways:
Microchipping your dog makes it easier for a veterinarian or animal shelter to locate you if your pet is lost.
The microchip is the size of a grain of rice and is inserted by a vet between your dog’s shoulder blades. Once scanned, the chip reveals an ID number tied to a database that contains your contact information, which a vet or shelter professional can access.
Your local animal welfare department or shelter may offer free or discounted dog microchipping. Otherwise, the cost of microchipping a dog ranges from $25 to $60, depending on the type of chip. You may also need to pay to add your dog’s ID number to a national registry.
Like many people, you may have put a collar with contact information on your dog, in case they get lost. But if that collar goes missing or the information is outdated, this becomes a less reliable way for you to be reunited with your pup.
Microchipping your dog can help you ensure you’ll be able to locate them if you get separated. In fact, it’s a crucial part of health and wellness for your dog.
Even if your dog stays indoors, there is always the possibility that they could run off during a walk or through an open door. According to the American Humane Society, 10 million pets go missing in the U.S. every year. And only 15% of dogs without microchips or ID tags in shelters are reunited with their owners. That’s why some cities, like Houston, require owners to microchip their dogs.
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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 activated by a scanner, the microchip sends radio waves that contain a dog’s unique ID number for the receiver to read.
This ID number is linked to a database that contains the pet owner’s contact information. So the individual scanning the dog’s microchip can access the information and reach out to the owner.
How much does it cost to microchip a dog?
According to Pawlicy Advisor, the average cost of microchipping a dog ranges from $25 to $60. This price typically covers the procedure and the chip itself. And the type of microchip and where you get the procedure can both affect the cost.
Depending on where you live, you may be able to go to a municipal animal shelter that will microchip your dog for less than the average cost. At Houston’s BARC Animal Shelter, the price starts at $15. And, according to the website, LA Animal Services in Los Angeles also provides the service for $15.
Dogs adopted from shelters are usually already microchipped, a service that’s covered by their adoption fee. But you may have to pay extra to have your contact information added to a recovery database.
If you take your dog to the vet for a microchip, you may have to pay additional costs for:
A physical exam if it's the dog's first time at the vet
Administration and office fees
Registering the dog's ID number in a microchip database
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It’s important to note that some microchips require an annual registration fee, which can average about $20 a year.
If you need free or low-cost microchipping for your dog, 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 dogs belonging to older owners.
Is microchipping covered by pet insurance?
Pet insurance may cover the cost of microchipping your dog if you have preventive care coverage, which typically involves a higher premium. But, even then, registering your dog’s ID number may not be included. And your policy may require you to pay for the microchipping upfront 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 dog?
Microchipping your dog can ensure you can more easily find them if you become separated, such as during an emergency.
In a study cited by the American Veterinary Medical Association, microchipped dogs were reunited with their owners at more than twice the rate of stray dogs overall.
When public shelters can’t locate a dog’s owner, they have short holding periods that typically range from 2 to 10 days, depending on the location. After the holding period ends, the facility can place the dog up for adoption or take other measures.
When is the right time to microchip your dog?
You can microchip your dog at any age. However, the procedure is more comfortable for puppies, starting at 7 to 8 weeks old. Always consult your veterinarian to see if your pet is in the proper physical condition for microchipping.
You may also want to look at your city's pet microchip policy, if there is one, as it may contain an age requirement. For example, Fayetteville requires dogs 4 months and older to have a microchip.
Can microchipping be painful for dogs?
Getting a microchip shouldn't be any more uncomfortable for your dog than getting vaccinated. During the procedure, a veterinarian will inject the microchip into your dog with a small, thin needle. The chip will likely be placed between your dog’s shoulder blades.
While it's possible to implant a microchip in your dog yourself, leaving the procedure to a veterinary professional is recommended. 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 pet’s microchip?
You can look up your dog’s microchip by contacting the vet, shelter, or rescue organization that performed the implant or the facility where you adopted your pet. The ID number attached to the chip should have 9, 10, or 15 digits.
The bottom line
Microchipping your dog increases your chances of being reunited if they go missing. Some cities even have ordinances that require dogs to have microchips, because of how well they work.
The cost of microchipping a dog averages $25 to $60. But you may be able to access free or low-cost microchipping at a public animal shelter or adoption center. Or if you have a pet insurance plan, the procedure may be covered under a preventive or wellness rider.
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References
ABC13. (2022). Houston pet owners will be required to microchip cats and dogs.
American Humane. (2019). ‘Every Day is Tag Day™’ — Is your pet protected?
American Veterinary Medical Association. (n.d.). Microchipping FAQ.
Brister, J. (2019). Microchipping your dog or cat. Embrace Pet Insurance.
Brown, S. (2023). Animal Welfare offering free microchipping in June. KRQE News.
City of Fayetteville Arkansas. (n.d.). City pet microchipping.
City of Houston Texas. (n.d.). BARC animal shelter and adoptions.
Embrace Pet Insurance. (n.d.). Embrace Wellness Rewards plan.
Heather, M. (n.d.). Microchipping and lost pet prevention. ASPCA Pet Health Insurance.
LA Animal Services. (n.d.). Microchipping.
Michigan State University Animal Legal & Historical Center. (n.d.). State holding period laws for impounded companion animals.
Reisen, J. (2021). How do microchips work and should my dog have one? American Kennel Club.
Southern Arizona Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center. (2022). Avoid these 5 microchip mistakes with your pet.
South Seattle Veterinary Hospital. (2022). Frequently asked questions about microchipping.
The Humane Society of the United States. (n.d.). High tech: Identifying lost pets with microchips.
Walther, R. (n.d.). How much does it cost to microchip a dog? Pawlicy Advisor.
