What Does a Pet Microchip Do?
A pet microchip provides permanent identification for your dog or cat through a tiny radio frequency identification (RFID) chip implanted beneath the pet’s skin. The chip contains a unique identification number that can be scanned by veterinarians, animal shelters, and rescue organizations to access your contact information and help reunite you with your pet if they become lost.
While a microchip is not a GPS tracking device, studies show that microchipped dogs are significantly more likely to return home than pets without one. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), microchipped dogs are returned to their owners at more than twice the rate of non-microchipped dogs, and for cats, the return rate is more than 20 times higher.
What Does a Pet Microchip Do?
A pet microchip acts as a permanent form of identification that stays with your pet for life.
Unlike collars and identification tags, which can break, slip off, or become unreadable over time, a microchip remains implanted beneath your pet’s skin, tamper-proof and impossible to accidentally remove. When a lost pet is brought to a veterinary clinic, animal shelter, or animal control officer, staff can use a microchip scanner to retrieve the unique identification number linked to the owner’s registration information.
At Ridgefield Veterinary Center, we offer pet microchipping as part of every pet’s preventive care plan because it provides an additional layer of protection that cannot be lost or removed accidentally. It complements our pet wellness exams and is one of the simplest, most impactful steps any pet owner can take.
How Do Pet Microchips Work?
Pet microchips use RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology to transmit information when scanned. The microchip itself is approximately the size of a large grain of rice and is implanted just beneath the skin between the shoulder blades using a hypodermic needle. No surgery required. The chip has no internal power source and no moving parts. It remains inactive until a microchip scanner passes over it and emits radio waves that activate the chip.
When the scanner activates the chip, the chip transmits a unique identification number to the scanner. That number connects to a microchip registration database containing the owner’s contact details.
The microchip itself stores only:
- A unique identification number (typically 15 digits for ISO standard chips)
The registration database may contain:
- Owner name
- Phone number
- Email address
- Home address
- Emergency contact information
Because the chip has no battery or moving parts, it requires no charging or maintenance and is designed to function for the life of the pet. Most chips manufactured today follow the ISO standard (ISO 11784/11785), which ensures that microchip scanners used in many countries can read the chip regardless of the chip’s manufacturer.
A note on ISO chips: If you travel internationally with your pet, ask your veterinarian whether your pet’s microchip meets the ISO standard; some countries require it for entry. Our Pre-Travel Pet Health Exams include a microchip verification step for exactly this reason.
Does a Pet Microchip Have GPS?
No. One of the most common misconceptions pet owners have is that microchips work like a tracking device. A pet microchip cannot track your pet’s location, show real-time movement, send alerts, or connect to cellular networks. Its only purpose is identification and it performs that job exceptionally well for the life of the animal.
Pet Microchip vs. GPS Tracker
| Feature | Pet Microchip | GPS Tracker |
| Permanent Identification | Yes | No |
| Live Location Tracking | No | Yes |
| Requires Battery / Charging | No | Yes |
| Used by Animal Shelters | Yes | No |
| Can Fall Off | No | Yes |
| Tamper-Proof | Yes | No |
Many veterinarians recommend using both. A GPS collar may help you locate a lost dog quickly, while a microchip serves as permanent backup identification if the collar is ever lost or removed. Neither replaces the other because they work best together.
Why Permanent Identification Matters
Pets become separated from their owners for many reasons: doors left open, broken fences, thunderstorms, fireworks, travel accidents, and unexpected wildlife encounters. Even the most careful pet owners can find themselves searching for a lost pet.
A microchip remains with the pet even if a collar falls off, an ID tag breaks, the pet escapes during travel, or the pet is found days or weeks later. Stray dogs and cats that end up in animal shelters or humane societies are routinely scanned for microchips. It’s often the first thing shelter staff does when a found pet arrives.
The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) maintains one of the most widely used microchip lookup tools in the United States, allowing shelters, veterinarians, and pet owners to search multiple microchip databases at once. This makes accurate registration critical.
Identification Method Comparison
| Method | Permanent | Can Be Lost |
| Microchip | Yes | No |
| ID Tag | No | Yes |
| Collar | No | Yes |
What Happens When a Microchipped Pet Gets Lost?
When a lost pet arrives at a shelter or veterinary clinic, staff typically:
- Scan the pet for a microchip using a universal microchip scanner
- Retrieve the identification number from the chip
- Search microchip databases (including AAHA’s universal pet microchip lookup)
- Access owner’s contact information from the registration record
- Contact the owner
This process often takes only a few minutes when registration information is current, which is exactly why keeping that information up to date matters so much.
According to research published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA), microchipped animals are far more likely to be reunited with their families than those relying solely on ID tags. The microchip itself is only part of the equation. The registration information is what makes recovery possible.
Real Veterinary Insight: The Most Important Part of Microchipping
Many articles focus on the technology behind pet microchips. In our experience at Ridgefield Veterinary Center, the biggest factor influencing whether a lost pet finds its way home is not the microchip itself. It is whether the microchip registration contains accurate, current information.
Families move. Phone numbers change. Email addresses become inactive.
We regularly see pet owners who are surprised to learn that their pet’s microchip registration still shows information from years ago. Even a perfectly functioning chip cannot help reunite a lost pet if the shelter cannot reach the owner using the contact information on file.
That is why we encourage all clients to review their registration information during annual wellness visits. It takes only a few minutes and can make the difference between a quick reunion and a prolonged search.
How Is a Pet Microchip Implanted?
Microchip implantation is a quick, safe, and simple procedure. This is similar in experience to receiving a vaccine. The chip is loaded into a sterile applicator and inserted using a hypodermic needle. Most pet owners are surprised by how fast it is.
A veterinarian or veterinary technician will:
- Verify your pet’s information
- Implant the microchip beneath the skin between the shoulder blades
- Scan the chip to confirm proper placement and that the microchip number reads correctly
- Register the microchip in a national database
- Provide you with registration instructions and your pet’s microchip number for your records
The process is quickly completed during a standard appointment and does not require anesthesia in most cases. If your pet is already scheduled for surgery, such as a spay or neuter, many owners choose to have the microchip implanted at the same time. Learn more about our dog spay and neuter services and cat spay and neuter services.
Does Microchipping Hurt?
Most dogs and cats tolerate microchipping very well. The procedure typically causes no more discomfort than a routine vaccination. Serious adverse reactions are extremely rare, and pet microchipping has been used safely for decades across millions of animals.
Concerns about tumor formation or migration of implanted microchips have been studied extensively. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the risk of adverse reactions, including tumor formation, is considered very low, and the benefits of microchipping far outweigh these rare risks.
The AVMA explicitly states: “Although there have been reports of mice and rats developing cancer associated with implanted microchips, the majority of these mice and rats were being used for cancer studies when the tumors were found… There have been only a very small number of cases in which a microchip was associated with a nearby tumor, and no causal effect has been proven.”
When Should You Microchip Your Pet?
The best time to have your pet microchipped is before an emergency occurs. We recommend microchipping for:
- Puppies and kittens (can be done at the first wellness visit)
- Newly adopted pets from shelters or rescues
- Indoor cats (who may still escape)
- Traveling pets
- Adult dogs and cats that have never been chipped
- Senior pets (It’s never too late)
If you’ve recently welcomed a new pet into your home, our Puppy Wellness Care and Kitten Wellness Care programs include microchipping as part of a complete early care plan.
The Ridgefield Veterinary Center Annual Microchip Check
During annual wellness visits, we recommend completing this five-step microchip review with your veterinarian:
- Step 1 – Scan the Microchip: Confirm the chip can still be read properly by a microchip scanner. In rare cases, chips can migrate slightly from the original implantation site between the shoulder blades. Scanning the full body ensures the chip is located and reading correctly.
- Step 2 – Verify the Chip Number: Ensure your pet’s microchip number matches what is recorded in the registration database. If you ever have a pet with two microchips (which can happen with adopted animals), confirm both numbers are registered and linked to your current contact details.
- Step 3 – Confirm Registration Status: Verify the microchip is actively registered with a national database. An unregistered chip, one that has never been entered into a database, cannot help a shelter contact you.
- Step 4 – Update Contact Information: Review your phone number, email address, and home address on file. A new owner taking in a rehomed pet should always re-register the chip in their name with updated contact details.
- Step 5 – Add an Emergency Contact: A secondary contact person can be invaluable if you are unavailable or traveling when your pet is found. This is especially important for pets who travel frequently with their owners.
This simple annual review takes only a few minutes and can dramatically improve recovery success if your pet is ever reported found.
Common Pet Microchip Myths
Myth: Microchips Have GPS
False. Microchips provide identification only and cannot track location. They are not tracking devices of any kind.
Myth: Microchips Store Medical Records
False. The chip contains only a unique identification number. Medical history is not stored on the chip itself.
Myth: Registration Never Needs Updating
False. Registration information should be reviewed and updated any time your contact details change, including when a new owner takes in a pet.
Myth: Microchips Replace ID Tags
False. Microchips and ID tags work best together. An ID tag provides instant visible identification, while a microchip provides permanent backup that cannot fall off.
Myth: Indoor Cats Don’t Need Microchips
False. Indoor cats can and do escape. Without a microchip, an indoor cat that gets outside has far fewer ways to be identified and returned home.
Pet Microchip Safety and Standards
Pet microchipping has been endorsed by leading veterinary and animal welfare organizations, including the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), and the Humane Society of the United States. Microchipped animals arriving at humane societies and animal shelters have a significantly higher chance of being reunited with their families compared to animals without permanent identification.
Pet Microchip Facts Every Owner Should Know
| Fact | Why It Matters |
| About the size of a large grain of rice | Quick, minimally invasive implantation |
| No internal power source required | No maintenance, works for the pet’s lifetime |
| Permanent form of identification | Cannot fall off or be removed accidentally |
| Does not contain GPS | Only provides identification and not a location tracking |
| Registration information must remain current | Critical for successful recovery |
| ISO standard chips are readable in many countries | Important for international travel |
| Adverse reactions are extremely rare | Very safe for dogs, cats, and other animals |
Key Takeaways
- A pet microchip provides permanent identification through RFID technology
- Microchips do not contain GPS or any tracking capability
- The chip stores only a unique identification number, and the registration databases hold the contact details
- Microchip registration information must be kept current for the chip to be useful
- Microchipped pets are significantly more likely to be reunited with their owners
- The implantation procedure is quick, safe, and requires no anesthesia
- A microchip and ID tag together provide the strongest protection
- Annual microchip checks during wellness visits help ensure everything is up to date
Conclusion
A microchip provides a permanent connection between you and your pet if they are ever separated from you. It requires no maintenance, cannot fall off, and works for the life of your animal. Making it one of the most reliable and cost-effective steps you can take to protect a pet you love. Paired with current registration information and a visible ID tag, a microchip gives your dog or cat the best possible chance of making it home safely.
At Ridgefield Veterinary Center, we include pet microchipping as part of our preventive care recommendations for every dog and cat we see. Whether your pet has never been chipped or you simply want us to verify your existing registration during your next wellness visit, our team is here to help. Contact us today. We proudly serve pets in Ridgefield, Redding, Danbury, Wilton, South Salem, and North Salem.
FAQs
Can you track your pet with a microchip?
No. Pet microchips cannot provide real-time tracking or GPS location data. Their purpose is identification only. If live location tracking is important to you, consider using a GPS collar alongside your pet’s microchip.
What are the disadvantages of microchipping?
The primary limitations are that microchips do not provide tracking, and they depend on accurate, up-to-date registration information. If the owner information is outdated, shelters may have difficulty reaching the owner even after scanning the chip.
How long does a pet microchip last?
A pet microchip is designed to last for the life of the animal. It requires no battery, charging, or replacement.
What happens if a pet is not microchipped?
If a lost pet’s collar and ID tag are missing, shelters and veterinary clinics have limited ways to identify ownership. Microchipping significantly improves the chances of reunification. This is especially true for stray dogs and cats found far from home.
Do microchips work for other animals?
Yes. While this guide focuses on dogs and cats, microchips are used in many other animals, including rabbits, birds, horses, and even some wild animals used in research and conservation tracking. The same RFID technology and ISO standard apply across species.