Microchipping is an important step in ensuring your pet's safety. It provides a permanent identification method that can help reunite lost pets with their owners. While many breeders offer to implant a microchip before sending a puppy or kitten to their new home, this is not always in the best interest of the pet. Veterinarians are the best professionals for implanting microchips due to their medical training, ability to monitor recalls, and access to updated industry information. Here’s why you should always have your vet handle this essential procedure.

1. HEALTH AND SAFETY
 A VETERINARIAN'S EXPERTISE IS ESSENTIAL
Microchip implantation is a medical procedure, even though it’s minimally invasive. The process involves inserting a microchip, roughly the size of a grain of rice, into the pet’s subcutaneous tissue using a specialized syringe. While it may seem straightforward, improper implantation can lead to complications such as:

Pain and discomfort if the chip is inserted at the wrong angle
Microchip migration, where the chip moves from its original implantation site
Incorrect placement, making it difficult for a scanner to detect
Tissue damage or infection if not done under sanitary conditions

Veterinarians are trained to implant microchips safely and correctly, ensuring minimal stress for your pet. They also know how to check for microchip migration over time, something most breeders do not have the training or equipment to do.

2. RECALLS AND COMPANY CLOSURES:
WHY YOUR VET IS THE FIRST TO KNOW

One of the biggest concerns surrounding microchips is the possibility of recalls. Although rare, recalls do happen, and when they do, only veterinarians receive official notifications—not breeders. This means that if a breeder implants a microchip and a recall is later issued, you may never be informed of potential defects.   A recent example of industry instability is the SAFE a LIFE closure. The company unexpectedly shut down, leaving thousands of pet owners wondering how to access or update their pet’s registration.

When microchip companies close, it can result in:
THE LOSS OF PET REGISTRATION INFORMATION
UNTRACEABLE MICROCHIP
THE NEED FOR RE-REGISTRATION WITH A DIFFERENT PROVIDER

Veterinarians stay informed about microchip recalls and closures and can advise pet owners on how to re-register microchips with another company if their original provider ceases operations.

3. MICROCHIP MIGRATION:
A RISK WITH IMPROPER PLACEMENT
Microchip migration occurs when a chip moves from its original site, sometimes traveling far enough to make it undetectable by a scanner. This can make identifying a lost pet difficult or even impossible. Improper implantation is one of the leading causes of microchip migration, and the risk is higher when a breeder, rather than a trained professional, performs the procedure.

VETERINARIANS:
✔ Know the precise implantation site for different species and breeds
✔ Use the correct technique to minimize movement
✔ Can monitor microchip placement during future wellness visits

Breeders, on the other hand, may lack the expertise to ensure proper placement and might not recognize issues if migration occurs later.

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4.  HOW MANY MICROCHIP COMPANIES ARE ACTIVE TODAY?
Currently, five major microchip manufacturers are registered with the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). However, the number of active companies has fluctuated over the years due to closures and mergers.

Over the past decade, multiple microchip companies have shut down, leaving thousands of pet owners uncertain about their microchip registration status. If a breeder implants a microchip from a lesser-known company, there is a higher risk that the company may not be around long-term, leaving you scrambling to ensure your pet’s registration is still valid.  Veterinarians typically work with well-established microchip providers that have been in the industry for years, offering more security for your pet’s identification.

5. UNIVERSAL FREQUENCY MICROCHIPS: THE BEST CHOICE FOR YOUR PET
Not all microchips operate on the same frequency, and this can create problems when trying to scan lost pets.
There are three primary microchip frequencies:
125 kHz (older models, not universally readable)
128 kHz (less common, limited scanner compatibility)
134.2 kHz (ISO standard, universally readable)

Universal frequency microchips operate on the 134.2 kHz standard, ensuring compatibility with all scanners used by shelters, vets, and animal control officers. Some breeders may implant non-universal microchips, making it difficult to scan your pet if they go missing.  Veterinarians use and recommend universal microchips to avoid compatibility issues, ensuring your pet can always be identified no matter where they are found.

6. PET INSURANCE AND FREE MICROCHIPPING: A BETTER ALTERNATIVE
Many pet insurance companies now offer free microchipping as part of their wellness plans.
Some of the leading insurance providers that cover microchipping include:
NATIONWIDE  *  ASPCA PET HEALTH INSURANCE  * TRUPANION *  EMBRACE PET INSURANCE

These plans often include microchipping as part of preventive care, eliminating the need to rely on a breeder for implantation. If your insurance covers microchipping, it’s best to take advantage of the benefit through your vet, who will implant the chip safely and register it properly.

7. WHAT TO DO IF YOUR MICROCHIP COMPANY SHUTS DOWN
If you discover that your microchip provider has closed, act quickly to secure your pet’s registration with a new company.
Here’s what you should do:

CHECK YOUR MICROCHIP NUMBER
Scan your pet at the vet or use an online microchip lookup tool to determine the manufacturer.
CONTACT YOUR VETERINARIAN
They can provide guidance on re-registering with another provider.
TRANSFER YOUR PET'S REGISTRATION
Some microchip registries allow you to transfer or update ownership registration through a universal database like AAHA’s Universal Lookup Tool.
CONSIDER IMPLANTING A NEW CHIP
If your pet’s microchip cannot be re-registered, your vet may recommend implanting a new chip with a company that is still active.

WHY YOUR VET SHOULD ALWAYS IMPLANT YOUR PET'S MICROCHIP
Although many breeders offer to microchip pets before they go home, it is always safer to have this procedure done by a veterinarian.

✔ Health & Safety – Vets are trained to implant microchips correctly, reducing the risk of complications.
✔ Recall Monitoring – Only veterinarians receive recall notifications, ensuring your pet’s chip is always safe.
✔ Better Microchip Choices – Vets use universal frequency microchips that are always readable by scanners.
✔ Stability & Longevity – Vets work with reputable microchip companies that are less likely to shut down.
✔ Access to Insurance Benefits – Many pet insurance providers cover microchipping through vet wellness plans.

Your pet’s safety is too important to risk with a microchip that may not be implanted correctly or registered with a stable company.
Always trust your veterinarian to handle microchipping, ensuring your pet’s identification remains secure for life.