Why Microchipping Your Pet Can Save Their Life: What Every Pet Parent Should Know
Millions of Pets Go Missing - A Microchip Can Bring Them Home
Every year, more than 10 million dogs and cats go missing in the U.S. Some slip out the door during a holiday party. Others dig under fences or dash during fireworks. Sadly, many never make it back home.
But there’s one small step that can make a life-changing difference: microchipping your pet.
At Sage Compassion for Animals, we believe in keeping pets safe, healthy, and with the people who love them. Microchips are a powerful tool in that mission.
What Is a Pet Microchip and How Does It Work?
A microchip is a tiny device, about the size of a grain of rice, that is safely implanted under your pet’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades. Each chip contains a unique ID number that can be scanned by veterinary clinics, animal shelters, and rescue groups.
When a lost pet is found, that number links to the owner's contact information if the chip is registered. That’s why it's critical to keep your info current with the microchip registry.
3 Reasons to Microchip Your Dog or Cat
1. Permanent and Reliable Identification
Collars and ID tags are important, but they can break, fall off, or become unreadable. A microchip is always with your pet, offering a permanent form of ID that can’t be lost or altered.
2. Affordable and Easy to Get
Microchipping is a quick, low-cost procedure that requires no anesthesia. Most veterinarians, shelters, and low-cost pet clinics offer microchipping for $25–$50. It only takes seconds and feels similar to a routine vaccine.
Need help finding a clinic? Visit our community resource page for more resources.
3. It Can Save Your Pet’s Life
Microchipped pets are 3x more likely to be reunited with their families than those without one, according to Humane Animal Support Services.
Yet, only 18% of pets entering shelters have a chip.
Microchips can also help protect against pet theft. If someone tries to rehome or resell your stolen pet, the chip can help prove ownership.
Real-Life Story: How Ginger Got Home
Ginger, a sweet terrier, was stolen from her pet mom during a break-in. Ginger was found on the side of the road two days later after being hit by a car and brought into Contra Costa Animal Services where they were able to reunite her with the family right away because Ginger was microchipped! Unfortunately, Ginger was suffering from a very severe fracture in her back leg that required an amputation. Ginger’s mom turned to Sage Compassion for Animals to assist with the finances as she did not have the funds to cover the surgery.
Because of her chip, Ginger made it safely back home.
When Should You Microchip Your Pet?
The best time is now. Microchipping can be done at any age, but it’s especially helpful before high-risk times like:
Holidays (like Halloween or the Fourth of July)
Moving to a new home
Family travel or boarding stays
For example, on Halloween, pets often bolt through open doors while you greet trick-or-treaters. A microchip gives you peace of mind if they slip out.
What You Can Do Today
Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian or local shelter to microchip your pet.
Double-check that your chip is registered and your contact info is up to date.
Share this article to help others protect their furry family members.
Don’t Wait. Protect Your Pet Today
If you haven’t microchipped your pet yet, don’t wait any longer. It’s a quick, affordable step that could one day mean everything. Contact your veterinarian or your local animal shelter today to schedule an appointment and give your furry friend the best chance of making it back home if they ever get lost.
You’ll be glad you did and your pet will thank you.