How Much Does It Cost To Microchip A Dog?

The cost of microchipping a dog varies depending on location and the veterinarian clinic. Dog microchipping costs range from $25-$75. The cost of dog microchipping is more expensive at a private veterinarian clinic than at an animal shelter, Humane Society or a non-profit veterinarian clinic. Dog microchip cost at a private veterinarian clinic is $50-$75, while dog microchip cost at an animal shelter or non-profit veterinarian clinic is usually $25-$40. The majority of dogs purchased from an animal shelter are sold microchipped and so are many purebred puppies. In some cases, a small registration or activation fee of $10-$25 will be charged to change the microchip into the new owner’s name. In some places, dog owners with microchipped dogs receive a discount off their annual dog licensing costs – over a few years this discount will easily cover the original cost of microchipping the dog.

Microchip For Dogs Cost

Microchips for dogs are relatively inexpensive; the average cost of microchipping a dog is $50. Microchips last for the entire life of the dog. Some animal shelters and non-profit veterinarian clinics offer discounts on dog microchips, offering them for $25-$30.

The cost of microchipping a dog at a private veterinarian clinic is around $50-$75. Once the microchip is implanted in the dog, it will need to be registered with the appropriate microchip company. Some veterinaries include the registration cost in the price of the microchipping, some do not. Registration costs for dog microchips range from $10-$25. Most microchipping companies only charge a one-time registration fee, but a few companies charge a $10-$20 annual fee. Most microchipping companies charge a $5-$10 change of address fee.

Dog Microchip Companies

There are two major canine microchip companies in the United States: Avid and HomeAgain. The large majority of veterinarian clinics, animal shelters and rescues are able to scan both Avid and HomeAgain microchips. Most veterinarians in the United States carry either Avid or HomeAgain microchips. The cost of microchipping a dog with Avid is cheaper than the cost of microchipping a dog with HomeAgain. Avid dog microchip cost runs between $30 and $40, while HomeAgain dog mirochips cost around $45. Once the veterinarian implants the microchip, the microchip must be registered with either HomeAgain or Avid. Registering a dog’s microchip at Avid costs a onetime fee of $19.99. Registering a dog’s microchip with HomeAgain costs $16.99 annually for the entire life of the pet. Both companies may charge a $5-$10 fee for a change of address on the microchip.

How To Find Your Lost Dog

When a dog goes missing, it is extremely upsetting and scary for the family. The first thing dog owners should do is stay calm and search their entire house and backyard. It is important that dog owners keep their voice positive and happy when calling for the dog, so the dog wants to come when called; yelling for the dog in an angry voice will only make him not want to come. After searching the entire yard and house, owners should carefully start checking the immediate neighborhood. Most dogs are found within two miles of their house, so owners should check all the dog’s favorite places near the home. When out searching, carrying a bag of the dog’s favorite snacks or a favorite squeaky toy to help get the dogs attention can be a big help.

Once the neighborhood search is exhausted, owners should call all the veterinarian clinics in their area and their local animal control to ensure the dog has not been dropped off by someone. Owners can also put a “lost” ad on the local classifieds website. If the dog is not found within a few hours, owners may want to make up some “lost” flyers to post throughout their neighborhood. “Lost” flyers are best made on brightly colored paper with large bold print. Offering a reward for the dog can help get him home safely; however, there are many unscrupulous people who will try to take advantage of a reward. The chances of a dog being returned safely home are significantly increased if the dog is wearing current identification tags and is microchipped. Lost dogs that are microchipped and dropped off at veterinarian clinics or animal shelters, or picked up by animal control can be returned home with just a quick scan of their microchip. Identification tags can work equally well; however, they can easily be lost or damaged, while a microchip never can – a microchip is always with the dog.