Microchipping your pet may seem like a modern marvel, but the technology behind it is surprisingly simple and incredibly effective. At Burien Veterinary Hospital, we want pet owners to understand how this tiny device plays a big role in reuniting lost pets with their families. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the tech that brings pets home.
A microchip is a small electronic chip. This chip is implanted under your pet’s skin—typically between the shoulder blades—using a single injection. Once inserted, the microchip remains in place permanently, so that your pet is protected for life.
The chip contains a unique ID number that links to your contact information in a pet recovery database. It doesn’t need batteries, doesn’t transmit signals, and won’t wear out over time.
Microchips use Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. When a scanner passes over the chip, the RFID is activated by the scanner’s radio waves. This powers the pet microchip just enough to transmit its unique ID number back to the scanner. That number is then matched to a database where your phone number, address, and emergency contact info are stored (as long as the chip has been registered).
One common misconception is that microchips allow you to track your pet’s location in real time. They don’t. Microchips are passive and only work when scanned by a vet or shelter. While GPS collars can provide live tracking, they require charging and can fall off. Microchips offer a permanent, maintenance-free backup that’s always with your pet, no matter what.
Here’s what happens when a lost pet is found:
This process can take just minutes and has saved millions of pets from being rehomed, lost to the system, or never returned. In fact, cats and dogs that have been microchipped are about twice as likely to be returned to their owners.
Microchip technology has been used for decades and is trusted by veterinarians, animal shelters, breeders, and rescue groups around the world. The chips are biocompatible (safe for long-term implantation), encased in a non-reactive material, and meant to last the life of your pet. The only maintenance required is keeping your contact information up to date in the registry.
Microchipping may be based on a simple technology, but its impact is profound. With a quick scan and a well-maintained registry, your pet can be safely returned no matter how far they’ve traveled. At Burien Veterinary Hospital, we proudly offer microchipping as a smart, tech-savvy solution for lifelong pet protection in Burien, White Center, Tukwila, and surrounding areas. Want to give your pet a permanent safety net? Schedule an appointment at Burien Veterinary Hospital today.
