Black-and-white dog wearing a pink patterned collar sits in the front seat looking out the rain-speckled window, with the car dashboard and steering wheel visible on the right.

Pet Microchipping Services in Oconomowoc, WI

Microchipping is a safe, permanent way to identify your pet in case they become 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.

How a Microchip Works

When a lost dog or cat without an ID tag is found, a veterinarian or veterinary technician 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.

Why a Collar Alone Is Not Enough

Even the most responsible pet owners can’t always guarantee their pet won’t get lost. A leash could break or slip out of your hand, a pet could push through a screen door or window, or a contractor or friend might accidentally leave a door or gate open.

We recommend that you use a microchip, along with a collar and ID tag, to identify your pet. An ID tag is still a reliable identification method. Pets with tags with current contact information are less likely to end up in a shelter and tend to get home faster than those without tags. However, collars and ID tags aren’t permanent and can be removed — overnight or for grooming — and pets can also lose them. With a microchip, your pet will have a much better chance of being identified and returned to you.

Henry, a black and white spotted dog, sleeping on a couch

Register the Chip

It is very important that your pet’s microchip is registered. A chip that was never registered cannot connect anyone back to you.

You can check whether your pet’s microchip is registered through the AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup.

Frequently Asked Questions