Pet Mircochipping Cost

Typical costs:

• The cost to have a pet microchipped ranges from $25 to $60, depending on the veterinarian and local rates.

• Each chip contains a unique identification number. If the animal is lost or stolen, the chip can be read by a scanner and matched with owner information in a database. Most shelters and veterinary hospitals are equipped with such scanners.
• The procedure and the microchip itself are included in the cost.
• The chip is inserted under the skin, usually at the neck and front shoulder section of the pet, using a syringe. Pets can be microchipped as early as six to eight weeks.
• Not all scanners can read all microchips. While most countries abide by the International Standards Organization's 134.2kHz microchip, 80 percent of the scanners and most outfitted pets in the U.S. have the 125 kHz chips. Before microchipping a pet, be sure to call around area shelters -- as far away as 50 miles -- to make sure the scanners they use are compatible with the microchip the vet provides
• HealthyPet.com confronts common myths^[1] about microchipping, and describes how implanting works. The article also includes a link to microchip manufacturers and their telephone numbers.
• There has been a small amount of concern over RFID technology causing cancerous tumors. According to the Washington Post^[2] , some studies found there was a small increase in cancer rate in rats implanted with RFID technology. The World Small Animal Veterinary Association^[3] and several other pet organizations stand behind the technology, touting the benefits and importance of microchipping.

• Expect to pay a one-time fee, typically under $20, to register a pet. PETtrac charges a one-time fee of $18.50 for one pet or $50 for up to five pets, and there is a $6 fee if information changes.

• Some animal shelters only adopt out pets already microchipped. In these cases, the cost of microchipping is included in the adoption fee, typically between $50 and $100 for cats or $70 to $300 for dogs.
• Some animal shelters offer microchipping for a discounted cost, between $20 and $30.
• Some veterinarians will implant the microchip at a reduced rate if done in conjunction with another service, such as vaccinations.

• The ASPCA^[4] lists the most common companies that manufacture microchips.
• Veterinary and pet advocacy groups still advise keeping a collar with a tag on a dog or cat as the primary source of owner contact information.

1.  www.healthypet.com/PetCare/PetCareArticle.aspx?title=Microchipping
2.  www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/08/AR2007090800997_pf.html
3.  www.wsava.org/Chip999.htm
4.  www.aspca.org/about-us/faq/microchipping.aspx

Check Out All Costs for Pets & Pet Care		How Much Does Dog Vaccination Cost?		How Much Does Dog Grooming Cost?		How Much Does Cat Spay or Neuter Cost?

Today's Featured Cost Articles

In case signing up was a resolution, we cover the cost of diet plans. Need help uncovering your driveway? You may need a snow removal service. The CDC recommends it is more important than ever to get a flu shot this year. Be ready if the worst weather hits -- a portable generator means fewer power outages. Garden all winter long with an indoor greenhouse.

About CostHelper

CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.

CostHelper Community

Radiologist Fee Paid: 350.00 Any radiologist reading your mammogram will be at least $350. They have 11-13 years of training after high school before they begin work. If they are not board certified, watch out. Most are and it beats getting cancer... [more] -Lowes Fan Mammogram Cost DIY Ceiling Paid: 50.00 We bought a house with a cheap paint job. The ceilings were sprayed the same color as the walls. During COVID I painted the ceilings and a bathroom. A 120 square foot room took me about 4 hours (2 coats)... [more] -Lowes Fan Painting an Interior Cost DIY vs Installed Small Deck Paid: 3000.00 We paid $1300 for materials and $1700 for labor on a 100 square foot composite deck plus a redwood gate. It took 30 hours, done last year. My husband built a 100 sf heart redwood deck for about $1000 in materials in 2019... [more] -Lowe's Fan Redwood Deck Cost Colposcopy with biopsy Paid: 756.00 This service was wayy to expensive in my opinion. For a 20-25 minute total visit I had to pay out of pocked 756 - 187 to OBGYN, 229 to pathologist, then 340$ for facility fee or the hospital. I don't even know what that charge was for... [more] -D S Colposcopy Cost Bilateral Diagnostic Mammogram and Third Mammogram Paid: 1389.66 My 2021 bill, still in shock! Weill Cornell, in-network provider, billed my insurance $908 for a bilateral diagnostic mammogram, and $712 for a third mammogram one breast... [more] -GinaF Mammogram Cost shoulder mri Paid: 8000.00 Seriously, 8K for an MRI before all the secret insurance kicks in. I was stuck with a 1200 bill and my insurance is pretty good. This is insane for a 20 minute procedure with no nurse assistance... [more] -stevej45 MRI Cost