What Is a Pet Microchip?

What Is a Microchip?

A microchip is a passive radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag about the size of a grain of rice, implanted under the skin to permanently identify a pet. It has no battery or moving parts; it simply stores a unique 15-digit ID number that is one of a kind worldwide. This number can be read instantly when a special reader device (scanner) is held over it.

A microchip doesn't track location continuously like GPS. Its main job is to match a lost or found animal with its owner through a registration system. This simple yet extremely powerful technology helps reunite millions of pets with their owners around the world every year.

How Is a Microchip Implanted?

The procedure is done entirely by a veterinarian and takes only a few seconds. In dogs and cats, the chip is usually placed with a special injector under the skin between the neck and the shoulder blades. It doesn't feel much different from a routine vaccine injection; in most cases the animal feels only a slight pinch.

After implanting it, the vet tests that the chip works correctly with a reader. The next, critical step is registering the chip's ID number in a national or international database. An unregistered chip is nothing more than a useless number, so you should never skip the registration step.

The Procedure Step by Step

• The vet places the chip under the skin with a sterile, single-use injector.
• The ID number is verified with a reader.
• The number is entered into the national database (in Türkiye, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (Türkiye) system) or an international registry.
• The owner's contact details are updated in the database and kept current if you move or change your number.

Why Is a Microchip So Important?

A collar or ID tag can fall off, tear or be removed. A microchip, however, stays safely under the skin for the animal's whole life, which makes it the only permanent form of ID. If your pet goes missing, vet clinics, shelters and animal welfare organizations can scan the found animal and identify you within seconds.

In Türkiye, under Animal Protection Law No. 5199 and related regulations, registering pet cats and dogs is a legal requirement. Microchipping is the most reliable and widespread way to meet this requirement. For an animal lost on the street, a microchip works like a digital ticket home.

To learn more about the steps to take if your pet goes missing, check out our guide my cat is lost, what should I do.

Are Microchips Safe? Are They Harmful to Health?

Microchip technology has been used in veterinary medicine for decades and is backed by extensive safety studies. International veterinary organizations, led by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA), recognize microchipping as a safe, standard procedure.

In very rare cases, side effects such as mild swelling at the implant site or the chip shifting position may be seen. However, these don't lead to any long-term health risk. There is a common claim online that chips cause cancer; there is no strong evidence in the scientific literature to support it.

What to Know Before Getting a Microchip

If you're adopting a new pet, asking for a microchip at the first vet visit is one of the basic steps of responsible ownership. We also covered this topic in our cat adoption guide and our dog adoption guide.

• ISO 11784/11785 standard: For international travel, make sure your chip uses the 15-digit format that complies with this standard.
• Keep the database up to date: Always update your registration details when you move or change your phone number.
• Cost: The implant and registration fee varies by vet clinic, but it is a one-off and affordable expense.
• Can be done at any age: It can be implanted in both young and adult animals without creating any health risk.

A microchip is the most practical way to reduce lost-pet cases, fulfil your responsibilities as an owner and legally secure the bond with your furry friend. If you haven't done it yet, plan to talk to your nearest vet clinic today.