Animal Chip Identification

Losing a treasured family pet can feel agonizing, and approximately 20 million pets become lost each year, according to Microchip ID Systems. Simple animal chip identification is inexpensive, and could make the difference in your pet returning home. Animal identification companies include HomeAgain, MicrochipID and Avid.

  1. Microchip

    • The simple microchip is inserted under the animal's skin through an injection. The microchip lasts approximately 25 years and becomes anchored into place when connective tissue forms around it.

    Pet Recovery Systems

    • Microchips are useless unless registered with a pet recovery system. When lost pets end up at a veterinarian's office or shelter, they are scanned. The pet recovery company will contact the owner.

    Eligible Animals

    • Microchips can be used for a variety of animals. Dogs, cats, ferrets, snakes, turtles, horses and exotic pets can all have microchips inserted.

    Cost

    • Microchips are inserted for a small fee charged by your local veterinarian. The chip must be activated in order to be effective. Activation can incur a one-time fee or an annual cost paid to the pet recovery company.