Let's Chat About Chips - Why Microchipping Is Key to Getting Pets Home

Losing a beloved pet is every family’s nightmare. At Pet FBI, our mission is to reunite lost pets with their people - and one of the best tools to make that happen is a microchip.

What Is Microchipping? ​

A microchip is a tiny electronic device, about the size of a grain of rice, that’s injected under your pet’s skin by a veterinarian. It’s placed quickly with a hypodermic needle — no anesthesia required — and side effects are very rare.

Each microchip contains a unique identification number. When a shelter or veterinary clinic passes a scanner over the chip, that number is revealed and linked to the owner’s contact information in a registry.

The cost of microchipping varies but usually falls between $25 and $75. Many communities also offer low-cost or even free microchip clinics throughout the year, making this lifesaving protection accessible to more families.

Registration: The Critical Step ​

A microchip can only help your pet find their way home if it’s registered with your current contact information. After your pet is chipped, you must provide your phone number, address, and email to a registration database.

If your pet ever goes missing, you can notify the registry to flag your pet’s chip number. Then, if someone finds your pet and takes them to a shelter or clinic, staff can scan the chip and reach out to you — at no cost to you or the finder.

Keep Your Information Current ​

Life changes — new homes, new phone numbers, even new email addresses. That’s why it’s so important to update your pet’s microchip information any time your contact details change. Pet FBI recommends making it a habit to check your pet’s registration at their annual veterinary visit.

If you’re not sure where your pet’s microchip is registered, ask your vet for the chip number. Then, use the American Animal Hospital Association’s Microchip Registry Lookup to locate the registry and update your records.

Microchips + ID Tags = The Perfect Pair ​

While microchips are a reliable backup, ID tags are still the fastest way for a Good Samaritan to contact you if your pet is found. Collars and tags, however, can break or fall off. That’s why microchipping is so important — together, tags and chips give your pet the best chance at a safe return.

A Simple Step That Saves Heartache ​

At Pet FBI, we see firsthand how vital microchips are in reuniting lost pets with their families. By combining free technology, expert information, and a caring community, we help bring pets home — and microchips are a key part of that mission.

Take a few minutes today to check your pet’s microchip registration. That simple step could make all the difference if your best friend ever goes missing.