A microchip is a tiny, permanent ID about the size of a grain of rice, placed under your pet’s skin and linked to your contact details in a registry. If your dog or cat ever goes missing, a shelter or clinic can scan it and reunite you. The team at Brentwood Animal Hospital can microchip your pet during a routine visit.
What a microchip is, and what it is not
A microchip is a small electronic ID that stores a unique number. When a scanner passes over it, that number appears, and a staff member can look it up in a registry to find your contact information. It is the most reliable way to prove a lost pet is yours and to get them home.
It is important to know what a microchip does not do. It is not a GPS tracker and cannot show your pet’s location in real time. It works only when someone finds your pet and scans the chip, which is exactly why so many shelters and clinics scan every stray that comes through the door.
How microchipping works
The procedure is quick and simple. Using a sterile applicator, the veterinary team places the chip under the loose skin between the shoulder blades, much like a routine vaccination. Most pets barely react, and no anaesthetic is needed, though it can also be done while your pet is already under for another procedure such as a spay or neuter. Our pet care service can include microchipping as part of a regular visit.
Registration is the step that matters most
A microchip only works if it is registered to current contact details. After the chip is placed, you must enrol the number with the registry and keep it updated. A surprising number of found pets have a chip that traces back to an old phone number or a previous address, which breaks the chain right when it matters.
Make a habit of updating your registration whenever you move or change your phone number, and confirm the details if you adopt a pet who is already chipped. If you are not sure whether your pet’s chip is registered, our medical services team can scan it and help you check.
Microchips work best alongside collars and tags
A microchip is permanent backup identification, but a collar with a visible ID tag is still valuable because it lets a neighbour reunite you without a scanner. Think of them as layers: the tag for a quick return, the chip for when the collar is lost or removed. Together they give your pet the best chance of coming home.
What to do if your pet goes missing
Act quickly. Search the immediate area, contact nearby shelters and veterinary clinics, and report the loss to your microchip registry so the number is flagged. Share clear photos on local lost-pet groups. If your pet is found injured, urgent care is available to help, and the same chip that identifies them also speeds up getting you reconnected. Brentwood Animal Hospital is locally owned and operated by Dr. Manveer Nahal.
Common myths about microchips
A few misunderstandings keep some owners from chipping their pets. One is that a collar and tag are enough on their own, but collars can slip off or be removed, which is exactly when a permanent chip proves its worth. Another is the worry that a chip can get lost inside the body. While a chip can occasionally migrate a short distance under the skin, clinics scan the whole body, so it is still found.
Some owners also assume an indoor pet does not need a chip. Indoor cats and dogs slip out through open doors more often than people expect, and a frightened pet in a new area can travel a surprising distance. A microchip is inexpensive, permanent, and one of the few protections that keeps working no matter where your pet ends up.
Microchips also matter when life does not go to plan. If your pet is ever lost during a move or a trip, a registered chip is the most reliable link back to you, and many travel destinations expect a microchip as part of pet identification. It is a one-time step that quietly protects your pet through all sorts of situations.
Frequently asked questions
Does microchipping hurt my pet?
Most pets feel only a quick pinch, similar to a vaccination. No anaesthetic is needed, and it is over in seconds. It can also be done while your pet is under for another procedure.
Is a microchip a GPS tracker?
No. A microchip stores an ID number that links to your contact details when scanned. It does not track location. For real-time tracking you would need a separate GPS device.
My pet is already chipped. Is there anything I need to do?
Yes, confirm the chip is registered to your current phone number and address. Outdated details are the most common reason a chipped pet is not reunited quickly.
At what age can a pet be microchipped?
Puppies and kittens can be chipped once they are big enough, often around eight weeks, or during their spay or neuter. Ask your veterinarian about the right timing for your pet.
How long does a microchip last?
A microchip is designed to last your pet’s entire life. It has no battery and does not need charging or replacing. The one thing that does need maintenance is your registration information, so keep your phone number and address current with the registry.