How Much Does It Cost to Microchip a Dog or Cat?

When you adopt a pet, there are certain up-front costs to expect. You’ll need to purchase supplies, take care of their initial medical needs, and pay an adoption fee (though some shelters and rescues might waive theirs).

Another expense you might have when you adopt a pet is the cost of microchipping. Here, we’ll review the cost of microchipping a dog or cat and walk you through the benefits.

What Is Microchipping and Why Is It Important?

Microchipping a pet involves implanting a small microchip under their skin with a unique ID number. Once you microchip your pet, you must register them into a pet recovery database. That way, if your pet ever runs away, their microchip can be scanned, and they can be identified and returned to you. Microchipping your pet is also important in case you ever need to prove that you’re the rightful owner.

One thing you should know, though, is that a microchip is not a tracking device. A microchip won’t tell you where your dog is if they run off, for example.

You should also know that the microchipping process is not traumatic for animals. It’s said to be no different than a typical vaccine.

How Much Does a Pet Microchip Cost?

If you adopt a pet from an animal shelter or rescue, they might already be microchipped. Otherwise, CareCredit says veterinarians usually charge around $45 to implant a microchip in a cat or a dog, and that the chip itself can cost between $10 and $30.

U.S. News & World Report, meanwhile, says that while a vet might charge around $45 to implant a microchip and you might pay $10 to $30 for the chip itself, when you include the pet microchip registration cost, you may be looking at another $15 to $30.

So, if you’re wondering “how much does it cost to microchip a dog or cat all-in,” you may want to budget for $70 on the low end and $105 on the high end. Generally, when you microchip your dog or cat, it’s a one-time cost. You usually don’t have to pay an ongoing fee, making itit relatively affordable.

Affordable Microchipping for Pets: Low-Cost Options

It’s fairly common for animal shelters and rescues to microchip pets before they’re adopted out. This way, there’s a way to recover them in the event they run off before finding them a home. If you adopt a pet that isn’t already microchipped, the shelter or rescue you get them from may be willing to microchip them for free.

Also, just as some municipalities offer free rabies clinics during the year, they may also offer free microchipping at select times. It’s best to call your municipal office to find out more.

There are also a number of pet registries that do not charge a microchip registration fee, including 24Petwatch by PetPlace.

Does Microchipping Require Maintenance or Renewal?

Once your pet is microchipped, their device should last for their lifetime. There’s generally no need for any follow-up procedures. Also, you usually do not have to pay an annual registration, maintenance, or renewal fee for your microchip.

That said, one thing you will need to do is update your contact information if it changes. For example, if you move or get a new phone number, you’ll want to update your microchip registry, so they have the right information on file for you.

Similarly, if you ever end up needing to give up your pet (which is not ideal, but sometimes, things happen), it’s important to tell the new owners where your pet is microchipped and have them update the contact information.

Is Microchipping Worth the Cost for Budget-Minded Pet Owners?

Adopting a pet is a huge financial undertaking, and it’s natural to be overwhelmed by the up-front costs. In the grand scheme of things, though, microchipping your pet is a relatively low-cost way to increase the likelihood of finding them in the event that they ever get lost.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AMVA) estimates that 10 million dogs and cats are lost or stolen every year in the U.S. It also says that about 52% of dogs with microchips are returned to their owners, compared to around 22% of dogs without a microchip. And nearly 40% of cats with microchips are reunited with their owners, compared to only around 2% of non-microchipped cats.

However, the AMVA also says that only about 60% of microchipped pets are actually registered, which negates the benefit of having a microchip. So, if you do take this crucial step for your pet, make sure to finish the job and get them registered.

Losing a pet can be absolutely heartbreaking. Microchipping your pet greatly increases the odds of them being returned to you, so it’s worth making the investment.