Choosing the Right Microchip for Your Dog or Cat

Oct 18

When you adopt a pet, you want to do everything possible to keep them safe — from training to proper nutrition to ID tags. One of the most important safety steps is microchipping. A tiny chip under your dog or cat’s skin can make a big difference if they ever go missing. But not all microchips are created equal. In this post, we’ll walk through how to pick the right microchip for your dog or cat, what features to look for, registration tips, and how to avoid mistakes many owners make.

1. What a Microchip Actually Does

A microchip is a tiny electronic device placed just under the skin (typically between a pet’s shoulder blades). It doesn’t “track” your pet like GPS, but it holds a unique ID number. When a shelter or vet scans your pet, the number is entered into a national or international database, and your contact info appears. This simple ID can reunite you with your pet if they are lost or stolen.

2. Key Features to Look For

ISO Standard 11784/11785 compliance: This means the chip meets international standards and is more likely to be readable by shelters and vets worldwide.
Lifetime registration: Some chips require annual fees to keep the registration active; choose a chip with lifetime registration or minimal fees.
Database reach: Make sure the chip’s database is large and reliable — global or national coverage improves chances of reunification.
Secondary features: Some chips include QR codes or smartphone-accessible portals for instant owner contact.
Size & placement: Choose a reputable brand; cheaper chips may have compatibility or readability issues.

3. Registering the Chip Properly

Having the chip implanted is just the first step. Many owners skip registration or forget to update details. Here’s what to do:

Register the number online right after implantation.
Add multiple contact numbers, email addresses, and a secondary contact person.
Keep your pet’s collar tag up to date — microchip + tag increase chances of safe return.
Update your contact info whenever you move, change phone number, or switch vets.
Confirm the chip works at your next vet visit: ask them to scan the chip and verify your info.

4. Common Mistakes Owners Make

Buying a generic, cheap chip from an unknown brand — some shelters may not have compatible scanners.
Not registering the chip or using outdated contact info.
Relying only on the chip and skipping ID tags — a visibly worn tag encourages faster returns.
Forgetting to update the database after moving or when contact info changes.
Not having a backup contact person in the registration.

5. When a Microchip Might Not Be Enough

In some cases, microchipping alone doesn’t guarantee your pet’s return. Consider additional steps if:

Your pet travels internationally (check destination’s rules & chip systems).
You live in a high-risk area for theft or your pet is a high-value breed.
Your pet is frequently outdoors or in unfenced areas — consider GPS trackers + microchip for added security.
You adopt a rescue with an unknown microchip status — always scan for existing chips to avoid duplicate registrations.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right microchip is a small action that delivers big peace of mind. With the correct chip, proper registration, and some common-sense precautions, you’ll significantly boost your pet’s chances of coming home if something unexpected happens. Having your dog or cat already ID’d with a microchip means you’ve done one of the best things for their long-term safety.

Nisa Okten