Microchipping FAQs

Microchipping your pet is an important part of keeping your animal safe. Microchipping is an affordable, effective means of recovering your pet if it gets lost. At New Hope Animal Hospital in Durham, NC, our veterinarian provides pet microchipping and will address all your concerns. Here are some commonly asked questions about microchipping.

What is a microchip?

A microchip is a tiny, electronic chip roughly the size of a grain of rice that is implanted under your pet’s skin. This chip contains an I.D. number for your pet, which is registered in a pet database along with your contact information. If your pet gets lost and is taken to a vet or animal shelter, it will be scanned for a microchip. The vet will match your pet’s I.D. number to your contact info and inform you that your pet has been found.

How are microchips activated?

Microchips are activated using a hand-held scanner, which most vets and animal shelters have for the purpose of helping pet owners recover their lost pets.

How are microchips implanted into my pet?

The chip is injected under your pet’s skin around its shoulder blades with a hypodermic needle.  No anesthesia or surgery is required for your pet to get microchipped. The process can be completed in one routine visit to our veterinarian.

Are microchips tracking devices?

Microchips are not tracking devices and cannot be used to reveal the location of your lost pet in real time. Microchips help identify lost pets and provide a means of locating pet owners so they can be reunited with their animal.  

Are microchips safe?

Microchips cause no harm to your pet. They are not uncomfortable or painful and have no side effects. The chip is imbedded deeply under your pet’s skin where it cannot fall out. It requires no maintenance and doesn’t degrade with time.

Why should I have my pet microchipped?

Microchipping helps to identify your pet if it strays off and gets lost. Most lost pets today are taken to a vet or animal shelter to be scanned for a microchip. If your pet has a chip, the vet or animal shelter can access your contact information from the pet registry where the I.D. number is listed to let you know your pet has been found and where you can pick it up. Microchipping your pet increases your chances of getting your animal back if it gets lost.

Visit Our Durham, NC Veterinarian for Pet Microchipping

Microchips have been highly successful over the years in helping pet owners reunite with their lost pets. At New Hope Animal Hospital in Durham, NC, we provide microchipping and will answer any other questions you have. Call us today to schedule an appointment.