McHenry County Animal Control hosts low cost microchip clinics. See availability on the events page. Read through the FAQ to learn more about microchips before your appointment. 

FAQ: Microchips

Microchips are safe, simple, and permanent forms of pet identification designed to quickly identify lost pets and reunite them with their owners. It is estimated that over 10 million pets become lost each year and 1 out of every 3 pets is lost during its lifetime, while only 1 in 10 lost pets is found. Having a pet microchipped is a proven way to successfully recover a pet if it should become lost.

Are microchips safe?

No bigger than a grain of rice, a microchip is small, sterile, and safe. It requires no battery and anesthesia is not necessary. Microchips last throughout the lifetime of your pet. Microchipping takes a few seconds, is relatively painless, and is recommended for all dogs, cats, and rabbits over 8 weeks of age.

How do microchips work?

A microchip is a transponder that contains a unique ID code capable of being read by hand-held scanners used by animal shelters. Shelters can then search your pet by microchip number and get in contact with you based on the information you have provided to the microchip company and/or Animal Control.

How are pets microchipped?

A staff member takes the pet to an exam room where a technician inserts a microchip under the pet's skin between the shoulder blades. The insertion of the microchip is similar to a vaccination, and, for most animals, is not painful. The microchip number and your contact information are then stored by the microchip company and in our database.

When a lost pet is brought to our shelter, a technician scans the entire body of the animal and, if the animal is microchipped, a number will register on the scanner. A staff member will check our database or call the microchip company to obtain owner information and contact them.
If you change addresses, be sure to update Animal Control and the microchip company, so we will be able to connect you with your pet if it gets lost.

Why would I want to microchip my pet?

Dogs and cats should always wear their license tags. However, collars or ID tags can become detached, leaving the pet without any visible identification. A microchip is a permanent device that allows us to locate a pet's owner, should a pet become lost.

If my pet has a microchip, why do I need a pet license?

Dog and cats 4 months of age and older are required to be currently vaccinated for rabies and licensed. A pet's license tag, which must be securely fastened to its collar or harness and worn at all times, provides a uniform system of external identification, as well as a visible means of ensuring that the animal has been vaccinated against rabies.
If an animal has been microchipped, we can also note the microchip number in the dog or cat's license records, and contact the owner promptly if the pet is ever brought to us - with or without external identification.

Why would an owner want to microchip a pet that never gets out of the house or yard?

Many animals that live exclusively in the house or yard can still be lost. A family member or visitor can inadvertently allow a pet to escape through an open door or gate. In other cases, pets may seek safety from the noise associated with fireworks, thunderstorms, or other natural disasters.