How to Properly Implant a Microchip

Microchips should be administered by or under the direct supervision of a veterinarian and in accordance with any state and local statutes and regulations applicable to microchips and their implantation.

Be sure to take all necessary aseptic precautions before inserting the microchip. After use, needle should be disposed of properly in accordance with local regulations.

How to Properly Implant a Microchip

Microchips should be administered by or under the direct supervision of a veterinarian and in accordance with any state and local statutes and regulations applicable to microchips and their implantation.

Be sure to take all necessary aseptic precautions before inserting the microchip. After use, needle should be disposed of properly in accordance with local regulations.

Step-By-Step Microchip Implantation Instructions

STEP 1

Scan the animal to find out if it already has a microchip. If it does, look up the microchip # at
aaha.org/petmicrochiplookup or call AKC Reunite at 800-252-7894.

STEP 2

Scan the syringe in the package.

STEP 3

Confirm the ID number of the microchip matches the barcode label.

STEP 4

Locate the injection site (for cats and dogs it is between the shoulder blades) and tent the Skin. You will keep the pet’s skin tented throughout the entire procedure.

STEP 5

Remove the cap, and at the base of the tented skin, completely insert the needle subcutaneously at a slight angle – BEVEL-SIDE UP – to the depth of the line marked on the needle and depress the plunger using a steady motion.

STEP 6

You will feel two “clicks” when depressing the plunger – the first when the microchip is about to exit the needle and the second when the plunger is fully depressed with the outer clear shaft flush with the “t” of the plunger. This is when you will know the microchip has been extruded from the needle, so it is time to withdraw the needle and then let the skin go. The implant motion should be straight in and straight out.

STEP 7

Check the implantation site to make sure the microchip transponder has been fully inserted and then scan the implantation site to ensure the microchip is working correctly. Keep pet calm for 24 hours after microchip implantation.

STEP 8

VERY IMPORTANT! Make sure the microchip is enrolled to the pet owner. Enroll online or mail the completed paper form to AKC Reunite.

AAHA provides an internet-based application (petmicrochiplookup.org) that enables veterinarians, humane organizations, pet owners or other persons to search various Pet Recovery Service registries and identify those registries on which a particular microchip is registered. AAHA is not affiliated or involved with any specific microchip registry and has no relationship, financial or otherwise, with this Participating Pet Recovery Service Registry (“Registry”). This Registry has given AAHA permission to search the Registry’s database in order to assist pet owners in being reunited with their pets. AAHA does not maintain a database of microchips of its own. It only links to registries such as this one. The AAHA Universal Microchip Lookup Tool only searches the databases of companies that elect to participate in the program.