Microchipping: A Simple Step for Lifelong Peace of Mind
At Mount Carmel Animal Hospital, we know how much your pet means to you—and we’re here to help you keep them safe. That’s why we offer microchipping with HomeAgain, a reliable, advanced form of identification that gives lost pets the best chance of returning home.
Microchipping is a quick, safe procedure that takes just a few moments. It can be done during your pet’s annual wellness exam, while your puppy or kitten is being spayed or neutered, or during a brief technician visit. The chip itself is no larger than a grain of rice and is placed just beneath the skin—causing only brief discomfort, similar to a routine vaccination. No anesthesia is needed.
But today’s microchips do even more.
The HomeAgain microchips we use allow us to take your pet’s temperature quickly and comfortably—without the need for a rectal thermometer. This advanced feature helps reduce stress during visits while keeping care efficient and accurate.
Just as important: a microchip must be registered to be effective.
At MCAH, we take care of that for you. With every microchip we implant, we handle the registration process and pay the registration fee—so your pet’s information is securely linked from day one.
If your pet was microchipped somewhere else, it’s worth double-checking that the chip is actually registered. You can use www.petmicrochiplookup.org to search your pet’s chip number and confirm that your contact information is current.
Why Microchip?
If your pet ever becomes lost, a microchip provides a permanent, tamper-proof form of ID that can’t fall off, fade, or be removed. It speaks for your pet when they can’t—letting shelters, veterinarians, and animal control officers know your pet has a family and a home.
Scanning for microchips is standard practice in veterinary hospitals, animal shelters, and rescue organizations across the country.
Key benefits of microchipping with HomeAgain:
- Quick, safe, and virtually painless
- No anesthesia required
- Chip is the size of a grain of rice
- Permanent—never wears out or expires
- Includes a temperature-sensing feature for non-invasive readings
- Recognized by over 50,000 scanners nationwide
- More than 2 million pets reunited with their families
- Registration handled in-house by our team—no added steps or fees
Whether you’re bringing home a new pet, updating your pet’s wellness care, or planning ahead for their safety, microchipping offers peace of mind—and keeps the door open for a safe return.
Not Sure Where Your Pet’s Chip Is Registered?
Use the free lookup tool at www.petmicrochiplookup.org to:
- Find out which registry holds your pet’s chip
- Confirm if the chip is actively registered
- Get contact info for the correct registry so you can update your details
And if you don’t know your pet’s microchip number, we’re happy to scan them during your visit and help you take the next steps. Whether you’re updating your info or just confirming everything is in place, we’re here to support you.
Have questions? We’re here to guide you through the process and help you feel confident in your choice.
Ready to protect your pet? Call us today to schedule a microchipping appointment.
Does my pet really need a microchip if they already wear a collar and tags?
Yes. Collars and tags can fall off or be removed. A microchip provides permanent identification that stays with your pet for life—and dramatically increases the chances of being reunited if they ever become lost.
Will microchipping hurt my pet?
Not at all. The procedure is quick—similar to a routine vaccination—and causes only momentary discomfort. Most pets don’t even flinch.
Do I need to register the microchip myself?
Not if your pet was microchipped at MCAH. We handle the entire registration process for you, including the one-time registration fee. Your contact information is securely linked to your pet’s microchip number from day one.
If your pet was microchipped elsewhere, you’ll need to confirm that the chip has been properly registered. Sometimes chips are implanted but never linked to an owner’s contact information, which makes them ineffective if your pet gets lost.
To check your pet’s chip status, visit www.petmicrochiplookup.org.. This free tool will tell you the chip’s manufacturer and whether it’s currently registered. From there, you can log in—or create an account—with the associated registry to update or complete your information.
Good news: A microchip doesn’t have to be registered with its original manufacturer. Most microchips can be registered with any major database, including HomeAgain—even if it’s not a HomeAgain chip. This gives you flexibility and peace of mind, especially if you prefer to manage all your pets’ info in one place.
If you’re not sure where to start, we’re happy to help you look up your pet’s chip and guide you through the registration or transfer process.
How can I update my pet’s microchip registration info?
If your contact information changes—such as a new phone number or address—you can update it directly through the microchip company. For HomeAgain chips, visit www.homeagain.com and log in to your pet’s profile to make updates. Keeping your information current is essential for a successful reunion if your pet goes missing.
Not sure where your pet’s chip is registered?
You can look it up easily using the free tool at www.petmicrochiplookup.org. Just enter your pet’s microchip number, and the site will tell you:
- Which microchip company or database holds the registration
- Whether the chip is actively registered
- Who to contact to update your info
Once you know where the chip is registered, visit that company’s website to log in or create an account. Most registries allow you to update your contact info online.
Don’t know your pet’s microchip number?
No problem—we can scan your pet during a visit and provide that number for you.
And remember: a microchip is only as good as the information linked to it. If you ever move or change phone numbers, be sure to update your registration right away. If you need help, we’re happy to walk you through the process.
Are there different microchip companies and registries?
Yes. There are several microchip manufacturers and databases (like HomeAgain, Avid, 24Petwatch, and others). While all microchips work the same way and are readable by universal scanners, registration is company-specific. If your pet was chipped elsewhere, it’s important to confirm their chip is registered with the correct company.
To look up your pet’s chip and see where it’s registered, visit www.petmicrochiplookup.org.
Is there an annual fee to keep my pet registered?
No. There is no required annual fee to maintain your pet’s basic registration. Once your chip is registered, your contact information stays linked—permanently.
Some microchip companies, like HomeAgain, offer optional subscription services that include extras like lost pet alerts, travel assistance, or access to a 24/7 helpline. These add-on services often come with an annual fee—but you are not required to subscribe for your pet’s microchip to remain active and functional.
Registration vs. Subscription: What’s the Difference?
This is a common source of confusion, especially when you start receiving emails about renewals or membership benefits.
- Registration is the essential part. It links your pet’s chip number to your contact information in a searchable database. Once your chip is registered, it remains linked to you for life—with no required annual fee.
- Subscription, on the other hand, refers to optional services offered by some microchip companies, such as:
- Lost pet recovery support
- 24/7 call center access
- Travel or emergency assistance
- Telehealth consultations
These subscription-based services often come with an annual fee, which is why you may receive reminders or renewal emails. But your pet’s microchip stays active and searchable even if you choose not to subscribe to those extras.