Microchip Your Pet

Microchipping is a simple procedure that greatly increases the chances that your pet will be returned to you should he or she become lost.

Microchip Your Pet

Why microchip your pets?

Having your pet microchipped is one of the best ways to increase your pet's chances of getting home if he or she is lost or stolen and winds up at an animal shelter or veterinary office. Unlike dog tags and collars, which can fall off or be removed, microchipping is a more permanent form of identifying your dog or cat.

Make sure your pets can find their way home…microchip them!

How does it work?

A tiny capsule about the size of a grain of rice is injected under the loose skin on the back of your pet's neck. The procedure provides no more discomfort than a vaccination.

Register the chip. This is extremely important! If the clinic where you had your pet microchipped does not submit the paperwork for you, make sure you complete the form and mail it to the company. And even if the clinic submits the paperwork for you, it's a good idea to follow up with the microchip company to make sure the chip was registered correctly. If you have your dog or cat microchipped at a Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals free or low-cost microchipping clinic, we will submit the paperwork for you.

Please remember that you must keep your pet’s microchip information up-to-date with the microchip company; if you do not, then the microchip is useless. If your phone number, address, e-mail address, or alternate contact change, call the microchip company and update your information. Keeping your pet’s microchip information up-to-date is the only way it can be used to reunite you with your pet.

Note: If your pet is already microchipped, but you don’t know the company who manufactured your pet’s chip, you can type your pet's microchip number into the AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup website it will inform you of your pet’s microchip company and the company’s contact information.

If your dog or cat becomes lost and turns up at a shelter or vet's office, a scanner can be used to read the digital number on the chip. A phone call to the microchip company to which you registered the microchip provides the shelter or vet with your contact information, and you can be contacted to retrieve your pet.

Where can I have my pet(s) microchipped?

Low-cost microchipping is available for dogs and cats throughout the year at some pet supply stores, including Petco, Petland Discounts, and others. The HomeAgain brand of microchip is used at these locations. Some locations also offer vaccination clinics for dogs and cats. You can locate a clinic near you at www.LuvMyPet.com.

The Mayor's Alliance occasionally hosts low-cost microchipping clinics at events during late summer and early fall where you can have your dog(s) or cat(s) microchipped for only $25 each. We use HomeAgain microchips at these events. To view upcoming Mayor’s Alliance low-cost microchipping clinics, visit our calendar.

You can also ask your veterinarian or local animal shelter for microchipping advice and prices.

Microchipping in the Media

The Digital Lost-Dog Poster

by Nancy M. Better, The New York Times

Friday, May 11, 2012

Microchip Implants; Only Half the Battle to Protect Pets

by Connie Howard, PetPoint Weekly Newsletter

Monday, March 5, 2012

Microchip: Your Pet's Best Chance for Finding Home Again

by Lavanya Sunkara, Petside.com

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

How Pet Microchipping Works