AVERAGE COST TO MICROCHIP A CAT OR DOG IN CANADA: 2024 GUIDE

Microchipping was first introduced in the late 1980s and has since become a requirement for pet ownership in certain regions.

For instance, in 2016, it became mandatory for all dogs in England and Wales to be microchipped, and in 2020, Montreal, Canada, implemented a law requiring all cat and dog owners to microchip their pets.

If you’re new to pet ownership or considering microchipping your cat or dog for the first time, you might be curious about the cost. Fortunately, microchipping is relatively affordable and can be invaluable if your pet ever goes missing or is stolen.

The Importance of Microchipping Your Cat or Dog

Microchipping is a cost-effective and invaluable procedure that provides undeniable proof of ownership if your pet is ever lost or stolen. These microchip IDs are tamper-proof, as they are inserted under the skin and are so small that locating them manually is nearly impossible once implanted.

The procedure is quick, relatively painless, and doesn’t require anesthesia, taking only a few seconds to complete. Additionally, the chip is designed to last a lifetime with no moving parts, so there are no ongoing costs once it’s implanted.

A 2021 poll conducted by Outward Hound examined the benefits of pet microchipping. The findings revealed that only 22% of lost dogs without microchips were reunited with their owners, compared to 52% of those with microchips. For cats, the difference was even more striking: just 2% of those without a microchip made it back home, while 39% of chipped cats were successfully reunited with their families.

What Does Microchipping Cost?

The cost of microchipping your pet can vary depending on where you are in Canada. Since each veterinary clinic determines its own pricing, it’s best to contact your local practice for an accurate estimate. Some vets may offer discounts for spayed or neutered pets, and others might include microchipping as an add-on to the spay or neuter procedure.

We researched the average costs at various clinics throughout Canada to give you an idea of what the microchipping procedure will cost.

Many animal shelters host microchipping clinics, where pet parents on a strict budget can obtain the procedure at a discounted rate. You may want to contact your local Humane Society to inquire about upcoming clinic days.

Additional Costs to Consider

Some microchipping registries charge annual or lifetime fees. For example, in British Columbia, you can register your microchipped pet with the BC Pet Registry for $12 per year per pet, or opt for lifetime registration at $45 per pet, which covers them for life.

Certain registries also offer enhanced services, such as 24PetWatch’s Pet Protection Services. Their $99.95 lifetime-care plan provides 24/7 access to specialists to help you start the process of locating your lost pet. The DirectConnect feature connects you directly with the person who found your pet, facilitating a quick reunion, and you also get a year of 24/7 access to a veterinary helpline.

Is Microchipping Covered by Pet Insurance?

While some pet insurance companies do offer coverage for microchipping, it’s not always included as a standard benefit. You might need to purchase an additional Wellness Care plan to receive coverage for this procedure. At the time of writing, we were unable to find any pet insurance companies in Canada that include microchipping in their policies. However, many insurers do offer lost and found coverage, which can help cover the costs of advertising to locate a lost or stolen pet.

Although you will be hard-pressed to find coverage for microchipping in any Canadian pet insurance policy, you may find that some providers will not allow you to enroll if your pet is not microchipped.

How Often Should My Pet’s Microchip Be Replaced?

Microchips are designed to last a lifetime, as they don’t require batteries or have any moving parts. Once implanted, there’s no need for recharging or replacing the chip. However, in rare cases—less than one in 10,000—the microchip might migrate from its original position. If this occurs, you may need to consider whether inserting a second microchip is necessary for your pet.

You may be told that your pet’s microchip doesn’t work or is not scannable. This may be due to a vet or animal shelter using a scanner that cannot read your pet’s microchip frequency. The good news is that universal scanners have recently been introduced to read all frequencies. However, there may be a transitionary period as shelters and clinics begin to adopt these new universal scanners.

The Importance of Registering Your Pet’s Microchip

Inserting a microchip into your pet is only the first step; registering the chip with your contact information is just as crucial. Without this registration, clinics or shelters that find your lost pet won’t be able to reach you. Ensure your details, including your name, address, and phone number, are up to date so you can be quickly reunited with your pet if they go missing.

You must also ensure that your pet’s microchip information is updated after every move or phone number change.

Conclusion

Microchipping is an affordable way to ensure that you and your pet can be reunited if they become lost or get stolen. Even if your pet spends most of their time indoors, it’s worthwhile to get them chipped, as accidents happen. You never know when your clever dog or cat will slip past you when you’re bringing in groceries or coming in the door after work. Microchips provide peace of mind and give you extra options for finding your pet if they sneak away on you one day.