Microchipping for Dogs and Cats: Everything You Need to Know
TL;DR
Microchipping is a quick and nearly painless procedure that provides your pet with permanent identification. A microchip, no larger than a grain of rice, is injected under the skin and stores a unique ID number linked to your contact information. In New Jersey, shelters and rescues are legally required to scan for chips and notify owners if pets are found. Although not mandatory for all pets, microchipping drastically increases the chances of reuniting lost pets with their families.
Explain Like I’m Five (ELI5)
Imagine your dog or cat had a tiny name tag under their skin that could never fall off. If they got lost, a special scanner at a vet or shelter would read that tag and tell them who to call. That’s what a microchip does—it’s like a secret superhero ID that helps bring lost pets home.
Key Takeaways (Bullet Points)
- Microchipping is safe, quick, and no more painful than a vaccine.
- Each chip contains a unique ID number linked to a national pet recovery database.
- New Jersey law requires shelters and rescues to scan impounded animals for microchips.
- If a chip is found, the pet is held for a minimum of seven days while the owner is contacted.
- Microchipping is not mandatory for all pets in NJ, but it is highly recommended.
- Chips do not use GPS—they are passive and only provide ID when scanned.
- Southern Ocean Animal Hospital provides microchipping on-site.
- Collars and tags can fall off, but microchips are permanent and reliable.
- Microchipping can resolve legal disputes over pet ownership.
- Ideal time to microchip: during puppy/kitten visits or spay/neuter surgery.
What Is Microchipping?
Microchipping is a form of permanent identification for your dog or cat. It involves the placement of a tiny device, about the size of a grain of rice, just under your pet’s skin—usually between the shoulder blades. This device contains a one-of-a-kind identification number that is linked to your contact information in a national pet recovery database.
Once the microchip is implanted and registered, it becomes a critical tool to help reunite lost pets with their families.
How Microchipping Works
1. Implantation
The microchip is inserted under the skin using a sterile syringe. The procedure is quick, relatively painless, and similar to a standard vaccine injection. No anesthesia is required, though microchipping is often done while the pet is under sedation for another procedure, such as spaying or neutering.
2. Unique Identification Number
Each microchip contains a unique, alphanumeric code. This number does not change and is associated with one pet only.
3. Registration
After implantation, your veterinarian will provide you with a form or an online link to register your pet’s microchip number. Registration includes your name, address, phone number, and possibly an emergency contact.
4. Scanning
If your pet gets lost and is found by a vet, animal control officer, or shelter, a handheld scanner is used to detect and read the microchip’s ID number. That number is then searched in the registry, and the contact information for the owner is retrieved.
Microchipping in New Jersey: What the Law Says
Microchipping is not legally required for all pets in New Jersey. However, the state has enacted legislation to help lost pets find their way home:
- Shelters and rescue organizations must scan every pet that comes into their custody.
- If a microchip is found, the registered owner must be contacted.
- The pet is held for a minimum of seven days, giving the owner time to reclaim them.
This law reinforces the importance of microchipping and maintaining current contact information with your pet’s chip registry.
Why Microchipping Is So Important
Permanent Identification
Unlike collars and tags, which can fall off or be removed, a microchip stays with your pet for life. This makes it one of the most reliable forms of identification.
Reunification
Microchipping dramatically increases the chance of being reunited with a lost pet. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), dogs with microchips are more than twice as likely to be returned to their owners, and chipped cats are more than 20 times as likely.
Legal Ownership
In cases of disputed ownership—such as if someone claims your pet is theirs—a registered microchip can serve as legal proof that you are the rightful owner.
Medical Emergencies
If your pet is injured and brought to a veterinary clinic or emergency animal hospital, microchip information can help medical staff contact you quickly.
When Should You Microchip Your Pet?
Microchipping can be done at nearly any age, but it’s commonly performed during:
- Puppy and kitten wellness visits (starting at 6–8 weeks)
- Spay or neuter procedures (around 4–6 months of age)
At Southern Ocean Animal Hospital, microchipping is available as part of your pet’s routine care plan, and it’s a one-time procedure.
Common Myths About Microchipping
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| “It’s like GPS tracking.” | Microchips do not use GPS. They can’t track your pet’s location—they only work when scanned. |
| “It hurts my pet.” | Implantation is no more painful than a vaccine injection. Most pets don’t even notice. |
| “They’re expensive.” | Microchipping is a one-time, affordable fee that could save your pet’s life. |
| “I’m already using a collar.” | Collars can fall off or be removed. Microchips provide backup security. |
Real-Life Examples
🐶 Max the Dog
Max escaped from his backyard during a storm. He was found two towns over by a good Samaritan who brought him to a vet clinic. The clinic scanned Max and retrieved his microchip ID. Within hours, Max was reunited with his family.
🐱 Whiskers the Cat
Whiskers slipped out one night and didn’t come home. A week later, she was picked up by animal control. Her microchip identified her owner, who had just moved—thankfully, their contact info was updated in the database.
Most Common Microchip Brands
- HomeAgain
- Avid
- 24PetWatch
- PetLink
- AKC Reunite
Southern Ocean Animal Hospital works with reputable microchip manufacturers that are compatible with universal scanners and national databases.
Registering and Updating Your Microchip
Registering your chip is not automatic. After implantation, you must:
- Visit the chip company’s website.
- Enter your contact information and microchip number.
- Keep the information up to date—especially if you move or change phone numbers.
Many pet owners forget this step. A microchip with outdated information is practically useless.
Microchipping Process at Southern Ocean Animal Hospital
At Southern Ocean Animal Hospital, microchipping is:
- Performed by licensed professionals
- Included in puppy/kitten packages and wellness exams
- Completed using sterile, high-quality tools
- Followed by registration assistance
We also provide annual reminders to help ensure your contact information stays current.
Advanced Equipment for Peace of Mind
Southern Ocean Animal Hospital is equipped with advanced tools for diagnostics and treatment. In addition to offering microchipping, we use state-of-the-art equipment to ensure your pet receives the best care:
- EDAN Acclarix AX3 Ultrasound System
- CTX-IQ Veterinary Laser Therapy
- VetOvation Endoscopy System
- Bionet Super Air Smart ICU Unit
This means if your lost pet is injured, we can begin immediate treatment on-site.
Is Microchipping Right for All Pets?
Microchipping is recommended for:
- Dogs
- Cats
- Outdoor pets
- Indoor pets (in case they escape)
Microchipping is not currently used for tiny exotic pets like birds or reptiles. Still, it’s essential for any dog or cat—especially in Southern New Jersey, where wildlife, weather, and dense neighborhoods can increase the chance of pets going missing.
Final Thoughts
Microchipping is a simple, effective way to protect your furry friend. It’s not legally required in New Jersey, but it may be the only thing standing between your lost pet and a happy reunion.
Summary
At the heart of Southern Ocean Animal Hospital’s commitment to pet care is a focus on safety, prevention, and innovation. Led by Daniel N. Pascetta, DVM, a highly skilled veterinarian with a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from one of the most rigorous programs in the nation—The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine—our team goes the extra mile to ensure your pets stay healthy, safe, and close to home.
We’re proud to be one of the top veterinary hospitals in New Jersey, offering full-service care with advanced technology, compassionate staff, and personalized service.
🔹 Protect your pet with permanent identification.
🔹 Microchipping is quick, affordable, and available now.
Call us today or schedule your microchipping appointment online—because your pet’s safety is worth it.