Should I Microchip My Dog or Cat?

Updated October 13, 2026 · 2 min read · 4 sources

Short answer

Yes. A microchip is a permanent ID that can't fall off like a collar. In a study of more than 7,700 stray animals in US shelters, 52.2% of microchipped dogs were returned to their owners versus 21.9% without chips, and 38.5% of microchipped cats versus just 1.8% without. It costs about $25 to $70 once, but only works if you register it.

Collars break and tags fall off. A microchip stays with your pet for life, and every shelter and most vets can read it. The research on lost pets shows how much difference that makes.

The evidence: chipped pets get home far more often

A study of more than 7,700 stray animals at US shelters, published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association in 2009, compared return-to-owner rates:

Without microchip With microchip
Dogs returned to owner 21.9% 52.2%
Cats returned to owner 1.8% 38.5%

For cats, a microchip made the difference between almost never getting home and getting home more than a third of the time. The study also found the main reason chipped animals weren't returned was incorrect or missing owner information.

Pros of microchipping

  • Permanent: can't fall off, be removed easily or fade.
  • Cheap, one-time cost: about $25 to $70, with chips designed to last about 25 years.
  • Quick: a few seconds, no anesthesia.
  • Proof of ownership if there's ever a dispute.
  • Often required for international travel and by some shelters, breeders and rescues.

Cons and limitations

  • Not GPS. It can't tell you where your pet is.
  • Needs a scanner. A neighbor who finds your pet can't read it; a vet or shelter must scan it.
  • Useless if not registered or if your details are out of date.
  • Brief discomfort at implantation, similar to a vaccine.
  • Rare complications, such as the chip migrating.

Should I microchip my indoor cat?

Yes, arguably more than an outdoor cat. Indoor cats that slip out are often frightened, hide and wear no collar, and the study above shows how rarely un-chipped cats are reunited with owners.

Should I microchip my puppy or kitten?

Yes. Many owners do it at the first vaccine visits or during spay/neuter surgery. Shelters and rescues usually chip animals before adoption, so ask for the chip number and transfer the registration to your name.

Microchip plus collar tags

Humane World for Animals calls ID tags a pet's "first ticket home" and the microchip the backup. Use both: a collar with your phone number lets a neighbor call you right away, and the chip covers you if the collar comes off. Many cities also require a license tag; see your state's dog license requirements.

See how much microchipping costs and find veterinarians near you.

Sources

  1. JAVMA News: Pet owners, shelters and clinics: check the chip (2017)
  2. AVMA: Microchips reunite pets with families
  3. Humane World for Animals: How a microchip can keep you and your pet together
  4. Money.com: How much does it cost to microchip a cat?

Find veterinarians near you

Whether your pet needs a routine checkup, vaccinations, spay or neuter surgery or an emergency vet, compare local veterinarians and animal hospitals by Google rating, reviews and opening hours below.

Veterinarians by state

AKAlaskaMEVTNHWAWashingtonIDIdahoMTMontanaNDNorth DakotaMNMinnesotaILIllinoisWIWisconsinMIMichiganNYNew YorkRIRhode IslandMAMassachusettsOROregonNVNevadaWYWyomingSDIAIowaINIndianaOHOhioPAPennsylvaniaNJNew JerseyCTConnecticutCACaliforniaUTUtahCOColoradoNENebraskaMOMissouriKYKentuckyWVWest VirginiaVAVirginiaMDMarylandDEAZArizonaNMNew MexicoKSKansasARArkansasTNTennesseeNCNorth CarolinaSCSouth CarolinaDCOKOklahomaLALouisianaMSMississippiALAlabamaGAGeorgiaHITXTexasFLFlorida

Tap your state to see listings by city.

This article is general information for pet owners, not veterinary, legal or financial advice. Prices vary by city and clinic; always ask your veterinarian or provider about your own pet.

Related questions