Microchipping Your Dog 101

How many dogs in America are microchipped? There is no central database that tracks this information. This makes it challenging to give an exact number of dogs in the USA. Are you thinking about microchipping your dog?

According to a survey conducted by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) in 2017-2018, approximately 85% of pet dogs in the United States have had a microchip implanted. This suggests that the majority of dogs in the USA have some form of identification in place in case they become lost or stolen

Microchipping your dog

What is the procedure for microchipping your dog?

The procedure for inserting a microchip into a dog is relatively simple and usually takes just a few minutes. Here are the general steps involved:

Before inserting the microchip, the veterinarian or trained animal care professional will scan the dog. This is to ensure that there is no existing microchip that could interfere with the new one.
They shave the area where the microchip will be inserted and also clean it with an antiseptic solution.
The microchip is about the size of a grain of rice. It is loaded into a specialized applicator and injected under the dog’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades.
After the microchip is inserted, the applicator is removed. The area is gently massaged to help ensure that the microchip settles in place.
Finally, the dog’s information is registered with a microchip database, This allows anyone who finds the dog to scan the microchip and locate the owner’s contact information.

It’s important to note that microchipping is generally considered a safe and effective way to identify pets,. However, it is important to have the microchip implanted by a trained professional to minimize the risk of complications.

What are the risks of microchipping your dog?

The risks associated with microchipping a dog are generally very low. However, as with any medical procedure, there is always a small risk of complications. Here are some of the possible risks:

Infection: There is a risk of infection at the site of the microchip insertion. This risk can be minimized by ensuring that the area is properly cleaned and disinfected before the procedure.
Migration: In rare cases, the microchip can migrate from its original location, which can make it more difficult to locate if the dog is lost or stolen.
Allergic reaction: Some dogs may have an allergic reaction to the materials used in the microchip, which can cause swelling, redness, and discomfort at the site of the insertion.
Malfunction: Although rare, there is a possibility that the microchip may malfunction or fail to work properly, which can make it difficult to locate the dog if it is lost or stolen.

The risks associated with microchipping a dog are generally considered very low. The major benefit of the microchip is being able to quickly and easily identify a lost or stolen dog. Most dog owners think that the benefit of microchipping typically outweighs any potential risks.

How much does it cost to microchip a dog?

The cost of microchipping your dog can vary depending on several factors:

the location
the veterinarian or animal care professional performing the procedure,
and any additional services that may be included.

On average, you can expect to pay between $25 and $50 to have your dog microchipped. However, some animal shelters, rescue organizations, and veterinary clinics may offer discounted or even free microchipping services as part of their community outreach programs.

Additionally, some pet insurance policies may cover the cost of microchipping as part of their preventative care coverage. Are you considering microchipping your dog? If so, check with local animal welfare organizations or veterinary clinics to compare prices and find the best option for you and your dog.

Not everyone is interested in microchipping their dog.

If you feel that your risk of having your dog run away or being stolen is minimal you may opt out of microchipping your dog.

There are other styles available as well. There is no obligation to make any purchase whatever and you can use the search button to view any other category you wish while there. https://amzn.to/3R4366T

Should your dog get stolen or is lost, you need to know this information ahead of time:

https://happymutt.org/thanks-to-sausages-missing-dogs-find-their-way-home/

Here are some resources to support the information on microchipping your dog:

American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) survey on pet ownership and demographics: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/reports-statistics/us-pet-ownership-statistics
American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) article on microchipping: https://www.aaha.org/publications/newstat/articles/2019-11/what-you-need-to-know-about-microchipping-your-pet/
American Kennel Club (AKC) article on the benefits of microchipping: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/benefits-of-microchipping-dogs/
VeterinaryPartner.com article on the risks and benefits of microchipping: https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951495
ASPCA article on the cost of pet microchipping: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/microchipping-your-dog-or-cat

I hope these resources are helpful in providing additional information on microchipping for dogs.

Thanks to ABC13 for photos

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links on this blog are affiliate links. This means that I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase through those links. Rest assured, this does not affect the price you pay for the product or service. I only recommend products and services that I genuinely believe in and have personally tried or researched. Your support through these affiliate links helps me continue to provide valuable content. Thank you for your understanding and support!