Instructions
Look for an identification tag. Usually if a pet has a microchip, it will also be wearing an ID tag with the words, "Microchip ID" followed by a number. Several companies provide an ID tag as well as a microchip. If you find that the pet does have a tag, and has an ID number, you can look online to find the owner and pet information. Remember that just because a dog doesn't have an ID tag, doesn't mean it does not have a microchip.
Take the animal to your local vet or shelter. The vet has a special scanner that will pick up the identification number of the microchip, should the dog have one. Once he scans the pet and finds the number, the vet can then check an online database for the owner and pet information. Usually the microchip is located in the shoulder region of the dog.
Look up any identification number you may find on the dog using the resources provided. If the dog is wearing a tag with an ID number, you can avoid the stress of a visit to the vet or shelter. Rarely, pet owners will even go to the extreme of a tattoo on the inner ear or inner thigh with the chip number as well.
How to Locate a Microchip in a Dog
A microchip is a small electronic device, the size of a grain of rice, that is implanted under a dog's skin for identification. Microchips store information about the owner and pet -- including contact information -- so Fido can be returned to his owner if he gets lost. Microchips are implanted by a vet, rescue or shelter. While they are not visible from the outside, most pets with microchips are also tagged or tattooed, to help people assist them when they are found away from home.