Give Your Pet the Best Chance for a Safe Return

Losing a pet is every pet owner’s worst nightmare. At Lansdowne Animal Hospital in Leesburg, VA, we prioritize proactive veterinary care, including pet microchipping. We help pet parents throughout Ashburn, Loudoun, Lansdowne, Belmont, Sterling, and nearby communities protect their companions with a simple but powerful tool: the microchip. In this blog from a Leesburg, VA vet, we’ll explain how pet microchips work, the benefits of microchipping, and how they help reunite lost pets with their families.

What Is a Pet Microchip?

A pet microchip is a small, rice-sized electronic chip encased in biocompatible glass. It contains a unique ID number that can be read by a scanner. The chip is implanted just under the skin between the shoulder blades during a quick, minimally invasive procedure.

Contrary to popular belief, microchips are not GPS tracking devices. Instead, they serve as permanent identification that links your pet to your contact information through a national registry. Microchipping pets benefits both the pet and the owner: we’ve heard too many heartbreaking stories from devastated pet owners.

How Does a Microchip Help Reunite Lost Pets?

If your pet is found and taken to a veterinary clinic, animal shelter, or rescue group, staff can scan for a microchip. Once scanned, the chip’s ID number is matched to your information in the microchip registry, and you’re contacted immediately.

Without a chip, lost pets may be mistaken for strays, go unclaimed, or even be adopted by another family. A microchip is the most reliable way to prove ownership and ensure your pet gets back home.

Benefits of Pet Microchipping

Microchipping offers peace of mind for pet parents. Here are just a few reasons to microchip your pet:

• Permanent, tamper-proof identification
• Increases the chance of recovering lost pets
• Works even if collars or tags fall off
• Quick and safe procedure with no anesthesia needed
• One-time cost with lifetime protection

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, microchipped dogs are more than twice as likely—and cats over 20 times more likely—to be returned home. 

The Microchipping Process: What to Expect

At Lansdowne Animal Hospital, microchipping is quick and simple:

• The chip is injected under the skin using a syringe, similar to a vaccination
• No sedation or surgery is required
• The procedure takes just a few seconds
• We register your chip immediately or help you complete the registration

It’s best to microchip pets early—puppies and kittens can be chipped as young as 6–8 weeks old. However, pets of all ages can benefit from microchipping. Ask us more about how microchips work for pets.

How to Keep Your Pet’s Microchip Up to Date

Microchips only work if your contact information is current. If you move or change phone numbers, update your registry profile right away. We recommend checking your microchip registry at least once a year.

Not sure where your pet’s chip is registered? Visit AAHA’s Pet Microchip Lookup Tool to search the ID number.

Is Microchipping Safe for Pets?

Yes. Microchips are made from materials that are safe for animals and are designed to last for the pet’s lifetime. Side effects are rare but may include temporary swelling or minor discomfort at the injection site.

The benefits far outweigh the risks—especially when a lost pet’s return depends on being scanned and identified.

Can Indoor Pets Benefit from Microchipping?

Absolutely. Many lost pets were indoor-only animals who escaped through an open door, window, or during a stressful event like fireworks. Collars can slip off or break—microchips offer a backup that can’t be lost.

Even cats who “never go outside” should be microchipped just in case of emergencies. If you have a pet that keeps trying to escape, ask your vet about behavioral training. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do microchips track my pet’s location?

A: No. Microchips are not GPS devices. They provide identification only when scanned.

Q: Can the microchip move or stop working?

A: It’s rare, but chips can migrate slightly. That’s why we scan across the shoulder area during exams to ensure it’s functioning properly.

Q: What if I adopt a pet who’s already microchipped?

A: You can update the contact info with the registry. We’ll help walk you through the process.

Microchipping at Lansdowne Animal Hospital

We offer affordable microchipping as part of our wellness and preventative care services. Whether your pet is a new puppy, a rescue adoption, or a senior companion, microchipping provides a lifetime of security.

We also scan every pet during annual exams to verify that their chip is still in place and readable. If your pet doesn’t have one yet, we can add it quickly during a regular visit. 

Give Your Pet a Lifeline Home

A microchip can make all the difference in a scary moment. At Lansdowne Animal Hospital in Leesburg, VA, we help you protect your pet with microchipping and up-to-date ID registration.

Visit our Service Page to learn more about the services we offer and the type of pets we see. Schedule a microchipping appointment today and give your pet the best chance of finding their way back to you.

Visit Our Leesburg, VA Animal Clinic

Do you have questions about pet microchips? Are you curious about how microchipping pets benefits? If you are looking for a great Leesburg, VA vet, you can try searching things like ‘great vet near me’ or just give us a call! 

This blog is meant to be informational only. Always consult with your veterinarian for the right medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment plan for your pet and follow their advice.