Microchipping (Pet ID) in Danville, CA
A microchip is the most reliable way to make sure a lost or stolen pet finds its way back home, and Tassajara Veterinary Clinic recommends it for every dog and cat in our care.
Millions of pets are lost or stolen every year, only to end up in local shelters and city pounds. If your pet went missing, would shelter workers have any way to find you? Collar tags work fine as long as they stay on, but tags can fall off and collars can be lost entirely. A more permanent way for you and your pet to be reunited is microchipping, paired with keeping your contact information current in the microchip registry. At Tassajara Veterinary Clinic, we recommend microchipping for every dog and cat we see.
How Microchipping Works
Our veterinarians insert a microchip, about the size of a grain of rice, underneath the skin between your pet’s shoulder blades. The chip holds a unique code number that’s saved in a microchip registry. If your pet is ever brought to a shelter, workers can scan the chip and use the registry lookup to find your name and contact information, making it possible to reunite you with your pet. Local emergency clinics also scan for microchips when an ill or injured animal is brought in by a good Samaritan.
Inserting a microchip uses a needle similar to that used for a vaccination. Because there’s a bit of discomfort involved, we prefer to microchip pets while they’re already under anesthesia for another procedure, such as spaying, neutering, or dental work. That said, microchipping can be done at any time, so if your pet isn’t scheduled for any procedure, we can still do it during a regular wellness visit.
Keeping the Registry Current
Once we insert the microchip, we register the chip number to your contact information and give you what you need to keep it current. Every animal shelter and city pound has microchip scanners, and checking for a chip is one of the first things staff do with a new animal. That’s why it’s important to update your information online whenever you move or change your phone number or email address.
Contact Tassajara Veterinary Clinic to Schedule an Appointment
With shelters overflowing with lost and unwanted animals each year, a microchip is one of the best forms of insurance you can give your pet. If your dog or cat hasn’t been microchipped yet, call our Danville clinic to make an appointment. We care for patients in Danville, Blackhawk, San Ramon, Alamo, and Dublin, and the surrounding areas. Give us a call at (925) 736-8387 today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Microchipping
Does microchipping hurt my pet?
There’s a brief moment of discomfort similar to a vaccination, which is why we often microchip pets while they’re already under anesthesia for another procedure.
Can microchipping be done during a regular visit?
Yes. If your pet isn’t scheduled for surgery or another procedure, we can still microchip them during a routine wellness visit.
How do I update my contact information on the microchip registry?
You’ll receive registration details after the procedure, and you can update your information online anytime you move or change your phone number or email.
Is a microchip the same as a GPS tracker?
No. A microchip doesn’t track location; it stores a unique ID number that’s scanned and matched to your contact information in a registry.
Should my pet still wear a collar and tags if it’s microchipped?
Yes. Tags provide a quick, visible way for someone to contact you, while the microchip serves as a permanent backup if the collar is lost.
At what age can a pet be microchipped?
Puppies and kittens can typically be microchipped at a young age; ask your veterinarian about the right timing during an early wellness visit.
How much does microchipping cost?
Costs vary depending on whether it’s combined with another procedure. Call our office at (925) 736-8387 for current pricing.
Give your pet a permanent way home. Schedule microchipping today.