The Advantages and Disadvantages of Pet Microchips

A microchip is a tiny computer chip, about the size of a grain of rice, programmed with an identification number to help pet owners be reunited with lost pets. Microchips provide additional protection in case your pet loses its collar and tags. Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of "microchipping" your pet can be helpful to pet owners who are trying to decide whether to have the process performed.

  1. Cost

    • Microchip implantation for pets is more expensive than collars or tattoos. Typically, it costs between $30 and $50 to put the chip in and register it.

    Visibility

    • One problem with microchips is that they are not visible to others. Because the technology is still new, many people don't think to take a found pet to the vet to have it scanned for a microchip.

    Procedure

    • The procedure for implanting the microchip in your pet is quick and easy. It takes less than a minute to implant, and there is no anesthetic required. Your pet will react the same way to the microchip needle as it would to a typical vaccine needle and won't even know it's there once implanted.

    Effect

    • Unlike a collar, a microchip is permanent and tamperproof. A microchip cannot be dislodged once it has been implanted. Also, it won't disfigure like a tattoo or change over time. Microchips have a lifetime of 25 years.