What is a dog microchip, does it hurt, and do I have to register it?
Short answer
A microchip is a rice-sized electronic chip placed under the skin by injection during a routine vet visit. It is no more painful than a typical injection and needs no surgery or anesthesia. It is not a GPS tracker, it only holds an ID number, so it only works if you register it and keep your contact details up to date.
Sourced from veterinary authorities · not a diagnosis · anything risky goes to a vet.
Who this is for
Owners deciding on or maintaining a microchip as permanent identification for a dog.
When this doesn’t apply
- Tracking a dog's real-time location (a microchip is not GPS)
- Replacing a collar and visible ID tag, which a finder can read without a scanner
What changes the answer
- Whether the chip has actually been registered in a database (an unregistered chip can't reunite you)
- Whether your phone, address, and email on file are current
- Moving, rehoming, or adopting a dog that already has a chip (transfer the registration to you)
Common mistakes
- Assuming the chip works like GPS and can locate a lost dog
- Getting the chip implanted but never completing registration in a database
- Forgetting to update the registry after a move or phone number change
- Relying on the chip alone and skipping a collar with a visible ID tag
Sources
- Microchipping FAQ — American Veterinary Medical Association · Tier 1 · verified 2026-07-20
Common questions
Does microchipping hurt my dog?
The AVMA says it is no more painful than a typical injection; the needle is a bit larger, but no surgery or anesthesia is required, and it can be done at a routine visit.
Can a microchip track where my dog is?
No. The AVMA is clear that a microchip is not a GPS device and cannot track a lost animal. It stores an ID number a scanner reads at a shelter or clinic.
Do I have to register the chip?
Yes. Implanting is only the first step; the chip must be registered and your information kept current, or a shelter can't connect the number back to you.
How do I know my chip still works?
The AVMA suggests asking your vet to scan the chip at least once a year to confirm it can still be detected.