Important Disclaimer
The information provided here is for general pet health education only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard professional veterinary advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here. If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital immediately.
- Species & breed
- Dog
Great question! Microchipping is one of the best things you can do to help a lost pet find their way home, so it's worth understanding how it works.
What a microchip is
A pet microchip is a tiny device — roughly the size of a grain of rice — that's implanted just under the skin, usually between the shoulder blades. It doesn't have a battery and doesn't do anything on its own. It's completely passive, meaning it just sits there quietly until it's needed.
How it's read
When a lost pet is brought to a shelter, vet clinic, or animal control facility, staff use a handheld scanner that sends out a small radio signal. That signal "wakes up" the chip just long enough for it to broadcast a unique ID number. The scanner reads that number — the whole process takes just a second or two.
How that number helps
The ID number on its own doesn't contain your contact information. Instead, it's linked to a pet registry (like Pet Registration and Recovery!) where your details are stored. Staff look up the number in the registry database and find your name and phone number so they can contact you.
This is why registration matters
A microchip that isn't registered — or that's registered with outdated contact info — can't get your pet home. If you've moved or changed your phone number since Nala was chipped, it's worth logging into your PRR account to make sure everything is current.
Does it hurt?
The implant is done with a needle, similar to a routine vaccination. Most pets barely react. No anesthesia is needed, though some owners choose to have it done during a spay/neuter procedure when the pet is already under.
Can I feel it?
Sometimes, yes — you may be able to feel a tiny bump under the skin. Occasionally chips can migrate slightly from the original spot, which is why scanners are passed over the whole body, not just the shoulders.
If you have questions about Nala's microchip registration, updating your contact info, or anything account-related, our customer service team can help directly:
- 📧 help@petregistrationandrecovery.com
- 📞 1-800-938-4909
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