Pet Microchipping in Richmond, Vermont
Permanent pet identification that can bring your lost pet home. Quick, safe, and provides lifelong peace of mind.
The Best Way to Get Your Lost Pet Home
Imagine this, Your dog slips out the front door during a delivery. Your cat escapes while you're carrying in groceries. It's every pet owner's nightmare, and it happens more often than you think.
The statistics are sobering
● 1 in 3 pets will get lost during their lifetime ● Only 22% of lost dogs without ID are reunited with their owners ● Only 2% of lost cats without ID make it home
But here's the good news
Microchipped pets are significantly more likely to be reunited with their families. Dogs with microchips are returned to their owners 52% of the time. Cats with microchips are returned 38% of the time.
Why microchips work better than collars
Collars and tags are important, but they have limitations
Collars can fall off or be removed
Tags can become unreadable over time
Lost pets may slip their collar when scared
Tags can catch on things and cause injury
Microchips are
Permanent (can't fall off or be removed)
Unique to your pet (like a serial number)
Scannable by any vet or shelter
Lifelong protection (no batteries to replace)
Simple Technology That Saves Lives
Microchips sound high-tech, but the concept is simple.
What Is a Microchip?
A microchip is a tiny electronic chip (about the size of a grain of rice) enclosed in biocompatible glass. It contains a unique identification number that's registered to you in a national pet recovery database.
The chip has no battery, no moving parts, and no power source. It's completely passive until a scanner activates it.
How It Works
Implantation
We inject the microchip under your pet's skin between the shoulder blades using a needle (like a vaccine)
Registration
You register your contact information in the microchip database
Scanning
If your pet is lost and found, a vet or shelter scans them
Reading
The scanner activates the chip and displays the unique ID number
Database Lookup
The finder looks up the ID number in the database
Reunion
The database provides your contact information so you can be reunited
Quick, Easy, and Nearly Painless
Microchipping takes just a few minutes and doesn't require anesthesia or surgery.
What to Expect with The Microchipping Process
No special preparation needed! Your pet can eat normally and doesn't need to fast.
Best done during:
- Puppy or kitten wellness visits
- Spay/neuter surgery (while already under anesthesia)
- Any routine vet visit
- Our community microchipping events
Not sure which category your pet's symptoms fall into? Call us at (802) 434-4935. We'll help you determine if it's urgent care, emergency care, or can wait for a regular appointment.
Is Microchipping Safe?
Yes. Microchipping is extremely safe and has been used successfully for decades.
Common concerns addressed
Will the needle hurt my pet?
Your pet will feel a quick pinch similar to a vaccine. Some pets don't react at all. Others may yelp briefly. The discomfort is momentary and minor compared to the benefit.
Can the chip move around in my pet's body?
Chips are designed to stay in place. Rarely, a chip may migrate slightly from the original site, but it remains readable. We check placement at annual exams.
Can the chip wear out or stop working?
Microchips have no battery or moving parts. They're designed to last your pet's entire lifetime without maintenance.
Can the chip cause health problems?
Microchips are made of biocompatible materials that are safe for implantation. Serious adverse reactions are extremely rare. Millions of pets have been safely microchipped.
Does my pet need anesthesia?
Microchips are made of biocompatible materials that are safe for implantation. Serious adverse reactions are extremely rare. Millions of pets have been safely microchipped.
Will the chip set off metal detectors?
Microchips are made of biocompatible materials that are safe for implantation. Serious adverse reactions are extremely rare. Millions of pets have been safely microchipped.
Microchipping is one of the safest and most effective things you can do to protect your pet.
Making Sure the Chip Works When You Need It
The microchip is only half the solution. Here's how to make sure it works if your pet gets lost:
Complete Registration (Do This Within 24 Hours):
✓ Go to the microchip manufacturer's website (listed on your paperwork)
✓ Enter the chip ID number
✓ Create your account with current contact information
✓ Pay the registration fee (typically $20-$40)
✓ Save your login information
Without registration, the chip is just a number with no way to contact you.
Tell People Your Pet Is Microchipped:
✓ Add "Microchipped" to your pet's collar tag
✓ Tell your dog walker, pet sitter, or boarding facility
✓ Inform new veterinarians if you switch clinics
✓ Mention it if you travel with your pet
Keep Your Information Updated:
✓ Update your phone number if it changes
✓ Update your address if you move
✓ Update ownership information if you rehome your pet
✓ Add emergency contacts (in case you're unreachable)
Set a yearly reminder to log in and verify your information is current.
Have Your Pet Scanned Annually:
✓ Ask us to scan during annual wellness exams
✓ Confirm the chip is reading correctly
✓ Verify the chip hasn't migrated
Most pets' chips work perfectly for life, but annual checks provide peace of mind
If Your Pet Gets Lost:
✓ Report them missing to the microchip database
✓ Contact local shelters and vets immediately
✓ Search social media lost pet groups
✓ Post flyers in the area
✓ Check shelters in person (don't just call)
Protect Your Pet Today
Don't wait until your pet is lost. Microchipping takes just minutes and provides lifelong peace of mind.
Questions first? Send us a message