What is a microchip and how do they work?

A microchip is a small device implanted just under the skin between the shoulder blades of an animal that is used for permanent identification. The microchip is about the size of a grain of rice, can be quickly inserted with a needle, and can be read by a microchip scanner. Each microchip contains a series of unique numbers similar to a vehicle VIN number. Most veterinarians and animal shelters have microchip scanners that can be used to read the chip number. You can also find public use microchip scanners in many convenient locations across Washoe County. To find the nearest public microchip scanning station go to HelpingPetsHome.com

The microchip is not a GPS locating device for your animal. The microchip cannot tell us where your animal is located

We can determine ownership and address of each animal by entering the microchip number into our system. The number should correspond to the pet owners contact information in our database. Using the information on a microchip to immediately contact the owner helps our officers return many animals directly home, without coming to the shelter. Collars and tags are great forms of pet identification but they can be taken off or fall off, significantly reducing the chances that we will be able to reunite a pet with their family.

Microchips are a form of permanent identification. The procedure is quick and safe, similar to a routine vaccine. If you are a Washoe County resident you can bring your pet to our facility anytime during business hours for a free microchip! Learn more about microchips and how they work.

Watch this short video to see the process for implanting a microchip