How Much Does it Cost to Microchip Your Dog?

Microchipping your dog might sound like something from the future, but these devices have been an important resource for reuniting lost pets with their pet parents since the 1980s. Microchips aren’t tracking devices, but they do carry permanent information that links you to your pet if they become lost. The cost of a microchip (and the procedure) is similar to your dog getting a vaccine.

This one-time expense can provide a lifetime of reassurance, but only if you register the chip with your contact information and keep this information up to date. Thankfully, making changes to your dog’s microchip registration information is usually free and easy.

TL;DR: Microchipping your dog is a relatively low-cost procedure, typically ranging from $30 to $50, which helps you find a lost pet. This one-time fee usually includes the chip implant and initial registration.

Why microchipping is a worthwhile investment

Microchipping is an inexpensive but permanent form of identification for your dog. 

Permanent identification

A microchip is inserted under your dog’s skin, so it is a permanent form of identification. Microchips cannot fall off or wear away, and they rarely stop working. 

Increased chances of reunion

Assuming your dog’s microchip is registered with your contact information, if your dog were to become lost and turn up at a shelter or veterinarian, there is a 52 percent chance that they will be reunited with you. But if your dog isn’t microchipped, this statistic drops down to only 22 percent, making microchips an important factor in reuniting you with your dog — and preventing them from becoming a stray.

Legal requirements (in some areas)

Although there are no federal laws in the US requiring dogs to be microchipped, some states and counties do have regulations. Typically, if a state or county requires a dog to be microchipped, the regulations only apply to pets who are found, or adopted out by animal shelters. Be sure to check local requirements regarding microchips to ensure you are adhering to the laws.

Understanding the cost: what you pay for

If your dog isn’t already microchipped when you adopt them, it’s important to understand the costs of having a chip implanted and registered.

• The microchip implant itself: How much does it cost to microchip a dog? The cost for a microchip is similar to that of a vaccine so you can expect to pay $30 to $50 but this may or may not include the registration fee, office visit fee, or other ongoing fees.

• The implantation procedure fee: Your veterinarian may charge an office visit fee in addition to the cost of the microchip. The cost can vary from $40 to $90.

• Initial registration fee: Once your dog has been microchipped, you’ll need to register the chip to include your contact information. Some veterinarians or animal shelters will do this for you, and that cost is included in the microchip fee. If this is not the case when you get your dog microchipped, expect to pay about $20 to register your dog’s chip.

• Potential hidden or ongoing fees: Depending on the microchip registration company, there may be optional services associated with your dog’s microchip that come at additional costs. However, you shouldn’t incur any ongoing fees to simply register your dog’s microchip with your contact information. But some of the microchip registries may have additional add-on services that have a monthly cost. When in doubt, ask the microchip company about what is included with registration.

Factors influencing microchip cost

Microchip costs don’t usually vary too much, but there are a few factors that can cause pricing differences. 

• Registration: Ask whomever is implanting the chip if the price includes registration with a microchip registration-company database. If it does not, you will need to pay an additional fee to have the chip registered. 

• Company differences: There are many registry database companies, but you’ll want to choose one with a good reputation, 24/7 customer service, and no ongoing fees. The last thing you want is to have your dog registered with a company that doesn’t answer the phone, is suddenly out of business when you need them, or charges you a fee to maintain your information.

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Where to get your dog microchipped and the associated costs

Microchips can be implanted at various places, and the costs are usually similar. If you are concerned about the cost of a microchip, though, you can explore a few options for a price comparison.

Veterinary clinics

A veterinarian is the most obvious choice for getting your dog microchipped. This simple procedure can be performed during your dog’s regular check-up or while they are under anesthesia for a surgery. The average cost of a dog microchip is $30 to $50, but if you aren’t already at the vet, you may need to pay for an office visit, in addition to the microchip and registration (although registration is typically included in this cost). 

Animal shelters and rescues

If you have adopted your dog from an animal shelter or rescue, there’s a good chance they’ve already been microchipped, regardless of their age. If your dog hasn’t been chipped, though, check with your local animal shelter or rescue groups to see if they offer vaccine and microchipping clinics that don’t require you to pay for an office visit. Expect to pay $25 to $30 for a microchip, but be sure to ask if this includes registration.

Low-cost vaccination/microchip clinics

Outside of local animal shelters and rescue groups, other organizations may offer low-cost microchip clinics (such as pet stores). Expect to pay $25 to $30 for a microchip from a low-cost clinic, but be sure to ask if this includes microchip registration.

Is microchipping covered by pet insurance?

Some pet insurance will cover nearly all the costs associated with vet visits, including microchipping, while others may only cover your dog’s unexpected injuries and illnesses. 

• Wellness plans vs. accident and illness policies: The microchip implantation cost for dogs is typically only covered by wellness plans. These types of pet-insurance plans cover preventative care, while other plans, like accident and illness policies, only cover unexpected care.

• Checking your specific policy: Knowing what your plan covers will help prevent any financial surprises. Contact your pet’s insurance provider before you need to file a claim to ensure you understand what your plan covers.

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Why Microchipping Your Dog Is a Must

Microchipping your dog significantly increases the likelihood of a happy reunion if your pup ever gets lost.

Beyond the cost: what to do after microchipping

After your dog is chipped, there are a few other things you’ll want to do.

Verifying registration

To verify that your dog’s microchip registration has accurate contact information, contact the company the microchip is registered with. Confirm that your name, address, phone number, and email address are correct.

Keeping information up to date

Moving or changes in your email address or phone number warrant an update to your dog’s microchip registration. If your dog were to become lost, you’d want the microchip registration company to have your most accurate, up-to-date contact information in case someone finds your dog.

Scanning annually

A microchip will rarely stop working. But if you are worried that your dog’s microchip has migrated or is no longer able to be read, ask your veterinarian to scan it. This can be done during your dog’s annual check-up.

Commonly asked questions 

Is microchipping a one-time cost? 

Yes, microchipping is a one-time cost. Once the microchip has been placed, and you’ve paid the dog-microchip registration fees, there are no ongoing costs unless you choose to pay for additional services.

Are there annual fees for microchips? 

No, microchips do not require annual fees unless you’ve elected to have an additional service provided by a microchip registration or database company. To be clear: After a microchip is placed and registered, there are no additional costs.

Can I get my dog microchipped for free? 

Unless your adopted dog already has a microchip, it is unlikely that you’ll be able to get your dog microchipped for free. That said, there is a chance that your local shelter or rescue group may offer free microchips from time to time.

Is microchipping painful for dogs? 

Microchipping is minimally painful. Since it requires a larger needle, microchipping may cause a little more discomfort than a vaccine would, especially in small dogs.

What if my dog is already chipped but not registered? 

To register a chip, have your dog scanned at your vet to obtain the chip number. Then look up the manufacturer (or registration company) in the microchip search database. From there, you can have the chip registered with a reputable company, if it isn’t already registered.

Does the microchip need batteries? 

No, microchips do not need batteries. Microchips only emit a frequency when they are scanned, so they rarely stop working.

How much does it cost to change microchip contact information?

It usually won’t cost anything to update your contact information, but some companies do charge a small change fee, even if you’ve already paid to register your dog’s microchip. There may also be a transfer fee if you are changing pet parents and not just updating your information.

References

American Veterinary Medical Association. “Microchipping FAQ.” American Veterinary Medical Association, 2025, www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/microchips-reunite-pets-families/microchipping-faq.

“The Avid Pet Recovery System | Avid Identification Systems, Inc.” Avidid.com, 2015, avidid.com/pet-recovery-system.

Brister, Jacqueline. “Microchipping Your Dog or Cat.” Embrace Pet Insurance, 8 Apr. 2019, www.embracepetinsurance.com/waterbowl/article/microchipping-your-dog-or-cat. 

“FAQ: Mandatory Scans for Microchips | Animal Legal & Historical Center.” www.animallaw.info, www.animallaw.info/article/faq-mandatory-scans-microchips.

“On Check the Chip Day, the AVMA Stresses Importance of Up-To-Date Microchip Registration.” American Veterinary Medical Association, 13 Aug. 2024, www.avma.org/news/press-releases/check-chip-day-avma-stresses-importance-date-microchip-registration.

“Pet Microchips – How They Work | Petfinder.” www.petfinder.com, www.petfinder.com/dogs-and-puppies/information/microchipping/microchip-faqs.

“Pet Wellness Exams: How to Prepare.” www.petmd.com, www.petmd.com/general-health/pet-wellness-exams-how-prepare.