Microchipping Services
Collars can slip off. Tags can go missing. A microchip gives your pet a permanent form of identification that can help shelters and veterinary clinics reconnect them with you if they ever get lost.
A Tiny Chip. A Big Way Home.
Every year, the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County reunites hundreds of pets with their owners thanks to microchip technology. Visible identification, like tags, are important. They should be worn by every pet. But unlike a tag, a microchip cannot be removed or lost, and is often the last link between a lost pet and its owner.
Microchips are tiny computer chips the size of a rice grain. They are injected under the skin, and are as painless as a vaccine. When a hand-held scanner is passed over the pet, a unique microchip number is displayed. Using this number, the staff of a shelter, veterinary clinic, or other organization can contact the microchip company, who can contact you. The shelter can also contact you directly if the microchip information is in our database.
At our monthly Vaccine and Wellness Clinics, we offer pet microchips for income-qualifying residents for just $15, which includes national registration.
How to Update Your Pet’s Microchip
If your pet does have a microchip, check out this list of common microchip companies where you can keep your information up-to-date.
Not sure which company your pet’s microchip is with? You can look it up using your pet’s microchip ID number with the Pet Microchip Lookup.
If you are unsure of the ID number, stop by your local veterinary office or at our shelter to have them scanned for the information.
Found a Pet? Check for a Chip.
If you’ve found a lost pet, checking for a microchip may be one of the fastest ways to locate their family.
Tacoma Humane and many veterinary clinics can scan found pets for a microchip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a microchip?
A microchip is a tiny electronic identification device placed beneath your pet’s skin. Each chip contains a unique number that can be read with a microchip scanner and connected to the owner’s registered contact information.
Does a microchip track my pet’s location?
No. A microchip isn’t GPS and can’t show you where your pet is.
Instead, if your pet is found and taken to a shelter or veterinary clinic, staff can scan the chip, look up its registration information, and use it to help contact you.
Does microchipping hurt?
The process is quick and similar to receiving a routine vaccination. No surgery is required to implant the chip.
Does my pet still need an ID tag?
Yes. Think of the two as teammates.
A collar and visible ID tag can help someone contact you immediately, while a microchip provides permanent backup identification if the collar or tag comes off.
Do I need to register my pet’s microchip?
Yes. Implanting the chip is only the first step. Make sure it’s registered and connected to accurate contact information so you can be reached if your pet is found.
What happens if I move or change my phone number?
Update your information with your pet’s microchip registry as soon as possible. You typically don’t need a new chip, you just need to update the information connected to the existing one.
I found a pet. Can Tacoma Humane check them for a microchip?
Yes. If you’ve found a pet, having them scanned for a microchip can help identify their family. Visit our Found Pet page for the steps we recommend taking before bringing a healthy found pet to the shelter.