How Are Animals Implanted With Tracking Devices?

Veterinarians can implant tiny transponders called tracking microchips under an animal's skin to identify it. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals recommends microchips to ensure a lost pet's return if a shelter finds it.

  1. Microchips for Animals

    • About the size of a grain of rice, a microchip uses radio waves to transmit information about your pet, including its unique registration number and registry phone number. Animal shelter employees use a universal handheld scanner check all pets found for microchips. They then contact the registry to obtain your contact information.

    Microchip Implantation

    • Using a specially designed needle, a veterinarian implants a microchip just under the skin of an animal, between the shoulder blades, according to Vetinfo. This quick procedure causes little discomfort to the animal; it is no more complicated than receiving a vaccine.

    Considerations

    • Unlike collars which can fall off, microchips provide a permanent and reliable way to identify your pet, but only if the microchip's registry has your most current contact information. To register your pet or to update your address and phone number, call the number provided in the paperwork from the veterinarian who implanted your pet's chip.