It’s lost pet prevention month and we’re giving you the 411 on keeping your pup safe. Microchipping your dog is one of the simplest—and most effective—ways to protect them if they ever get lost. It’s a quick procedure where a tiny chip (about the size of a grain of rice) is inserted under your dog’s skin, typically between the shoulder blades. The chip has a unique ID number that is then linked to your contact information, and this information can be accessed by vets and shelters throughout the country.
Why Microchip?
Think of the microchip as an insurance policy, it’s not something you think about day to day, but if everything were to go wrong you have the assurance that your pup can be identified when they’re found. Collars and tags can fall off or get damaged, especially if your dog escapes during a walk, storm, or while traveling. A microchip stays with them for life. Shelters, vets, and animal control agencies routinely scan found pets for chips—dramatically increasing your chances of being reunited.
Multiple Forms of ID
Like we said, collars can come off, ID tags can break, and if your pup runs out the front door, there’s a good chance that they won’t have clear identification on them which is why microchipping is so important. With that being said, having updated easily readable tags on a collar that is hard to get out of (but not uncomfortable) are the most important things in keeping your dog safe. For some extra assurance you can put an Apple AirTag on their collar so you can live track them if they get out. While microchipping is important it is only effective once they’re found, so if you have a dog who likes to run and hide an AirTag is a good way to find them in real time rather than waiting for a shelter to run their microchip.
If Your Dog Does Go Missing:
- Start local. Search your neighborhood and ask neighbors.
- Contact shelters and vet offices within a 20-mile radius.
- Post on social media (Nextdoor, Facebook groups, Petco Love Lost).
- Hang flyers with a recent photo and your contact info.
- Visit shelters in person if possible. Staff may miss your dog in a description match.
- Most importantly, don’t give up! Dogs are smart animals and most of the time they’ll come back if they can.
Bottom line? Microchipping is a tiny step with a huge impact. If your dog isn’t chipped yet, summer (with all its fireworks, trips, and open doors) is the perfect time to get it done.
