By admin [ad_1]
When most owners think of pet ID, they picture an engraved or stamped metal tag jangling on their dog’s collar. However, they don’t realize that external ID, while essential, is not enough to protect their dog if he or she gets lost.
External identification can fall off a lost dog if it gets caught on something, leaving the owner no way to contact them when their dog is found. A dog microchip is the only way to ensure that the dog’s identification stays with it no matter where it goes. It’s essential for lost dog protection!
Since many pet owners may not include microchipping in their “new dog” budget, and may think that it will be too expensive, we’ll review why getting a microchip is so important in this article, share how much it will cost to microchip your dog, and tell you where you can get one.
What is Microchipping?
A microchip for dogs is not a GPS tracker but a permanent form of ID. A small device (about the size of a grain of rice) is inserted under your dog’s skin. This chip can be scanned at a vet office or shelter, and when it is, it pulls up a unique identification number that is connected to your personal contact information.
A microchip can be scanned anywhere in the world, and it doesn’t require an internet or Bluetooth connection to do so.
For more information, read our article explaining how microchips work.
What is the Average Cost to Microchip A Dog?
Budget-conscious pet owners may wonder, “How much does it cost to microchip a dog?”
The average cost to microchip a dog in the U.S. typically ranges from $25 to $75. This price usually includes the microchip implantation and the initial registration with a pet recovery database.
The most convenient place to get a microchip implanted is at your veterinarian during a checkup. However, microchips typically cost more when done at the vet. Some veterinarians may discount the price if the microchip implant is added to another service, so it’s worth asking.
Many animal shelters and nonprofits offer subsidized microchips for as low as $10–$20, and if you adopt a pet, they will already be microchipped (it’s included in the adoption fee).
What’s Included in the Initial Cost?
You may wonder why you are paying so much for something that is the size of a tiny grain of rice. While one microchip will last your dog a lifetime, a lot goes into the implant cost.
- The microchip itself (it is an actual micro-computer chip)
- The time for a veterinarian or shelter staff to implant it
- Initial registration in the microchip database
Potential Additional Costs
While your pet’s microchip won’t need to be replaced, the information tied to it may need to be updated if you move or your phone number or email changes. Remember, it’s very important to keep this information up to date!
Depending on the microchip’s brand, you may be required to pay an annual renewal fee for database access. Others only charge when you need to update your contact information, while some offer lifetime registration at no extra cost. Always verify what’s included with the one you get.
Where to Get Your Dog Microchipped
Almost all veterinary offices have microchips on hand and ready when you need them. Adding one on to your dog’s annual initial or initial checkup is very convenient.
If there is an animal shelter in your area, you can contact it and ask if it offers microchips for the general public. Some may do so on an ongoing basis, while others hold annual low-cost microchip events where you can get one free or highly discounted on a specific day.
You can also call your local pet supply store to see if they will be holding a special microchip clinic, or simply search online for “microchipping near me.”
Is Microchipping Worth It?
While a microchip is often an added cost that pet owners don’t consider when bringing home a new dog, it is absolutely essential for dog safety. Microchips greatly increase the chance of reuniting a lost dog with their family.
Checking for a microchip is one of the very first things people do when they find a lost pet.
Several cities and counties in the United States require dogs to be microchipped, particularly as a condition for licensing or reclaiming a lost pet. Examples include Los Angeles County, CA, Clark County, NV (including Las Vegas), Dallas, TX and Indianapolis, IN.
Even if a microchip isn’t required where you live, having one will give you great peace of mind. It’s a sure way that someone can contact you if your dog gets lost and its tag falls off or if you typically don’t keep your dog’s collar on at home and they slip out the door or jump the fence.
Also note that if you plan to travel out of the country with your dog, many countries require microchips, and you will need an internationally recognized ISO-compliant chip to travel there.
Final Thoughts on the Cost to Microchip Your Dog
Microchipping is a simple, affordable step every dog parent can take to help keep their pet safe. The peace of mind is worth every penny!
In fact, if your dog gets lost or escapes your yard, it can cost you far more if your dog is not microchipped. The average shelter impound fee for dogs without one can cost upwards of $100. If your dog has a microchip, a large majority of U.S. shelters waive or reduce the impound fee (make sure your dog is licensed with your city or county too).
A microchip is also an essential component of every pet emergency preparedness plan.
Microchipping is quick, safe, and highly recommended by veterinarians. As long as you keep your contact information updated, it’s the most important way to help ensure your lost dog makes it back home to you.
Talk to your vet or local shelter about the best way to get your dog microchipped.
Featured Image by AI_Solution from Pixabay
[ad_2]