Microchipping for Pets

Microchipping is a safe and permanent way to identify your pet in case he or she becomes lost. A microchip, which is a tiny device about the size and shape of a grain of rice, is placed just under the loose skin at the back of the neck. When a lost dog or cat without an ID tag is found, a veterinary team member will use a handheld microchip scanner to check for a chip. If the pet has one, it will transmit its ID number to the scanner via a low-frequency radio wave. The veterinary hospital or shelter then calls the chip manufacturer, retrieves the pet owner's contact information, and calls the owner.

When should I microchip my pet?

In most cases, we recommend pets get microchipped when they are 6 to 8 weeks old. Even if you have an indoor pet, they should still be microchipped as accidents can happen at any time. Give us a call at 905-844-3331 to learn more about the safety benefits of microchipping.

Will my pet's microchip need to be replaced?

No. When microchipping is performed correctly, the device won't need to be replaced. The chip is made from a durable material to last throughout your pet's entire lifetime. As such, it doesn't require batteries or repair at any time.

Do microchips work like GPS?

This is a common misconception about microchipping. The device is not GPS enabled so you cannot track your pet with it. Your pet has to be found by someone and brought to a veterinary facility where they are scanned.

How much does microchipping cost?

We recommend that pet owners contact us for the most updated cost of the procedure.