Microchipping your pet is one of the most effective ways to ensure their safe return if they get lost, but it does come at an additional cost. If you’re considering pet insurance, you may be wondering whether the cost of microchipping will be covered.
The answer isn’t always simple: Some pet insurance plans offer microchipping coverage, while others don’t, and it may only be available as part of an additional wellness plan.
To make an informed decision for your pet’s safety, you need to know how and when pet insurance can cover microchipping, and research some of the best pet insurance companies that include these costs in their coverage.
What is pet microchipping?
Microchipping is a simple but important procedure that greatly increases the chances of being reunited with your lost pet. A pet microchip is a small electronic device made from inert, biocompatible materials that will not break down over time.
Microchip implantation procedures are typically performed by a veterinarian. A veterinarian will implant the microchip under your pet’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades, using a hypodermic needle. The procedure is quick, safe and relatively painless, like a vaccination, and can be done during a routine veterinary appointment. The microchip typically integrates into the surrounding tissue within 24 hours.
Each microchip has a unique identification number that can be read by vets and local authorities using a handheld scanner, and this ID number will be matched with your contact details in a national database.
Are microchips covered by pet insurance?
Microchips may be covered by pet insurance, but it depends on the specific policy and insurance company. In general, there are a few ways that pet insurance will cover microchips:
- Comprehensive policies: Some comprehensive pet insurance policies include microchipping as standard cover, however this is not very common so it’s important to check the policy details carefully to see if microchipping is explicitly mentioned.
- Daily Health Plan: Some pet insurance companies offer optional health plans or add-ons that cover preventive care, including microchipping. These plans are usually offered in addition to standard accident and illness insurance and cover a range of routine services such as vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, and microchipping.
How much does it cost to microchip my pet?
The cost to microchip a dog or cat typically ranges from $25 to $60. This fee usually includes the procedure itself, where a veterinarian or trained technician implants the microchip under your pet’s skin, and registering the microchip in a national database.
Here’s a breakdown of the potential costs:
- Annual or lifetime membership fee: Some companies charge a one-off fee that covers your pet’s lifetime registration, while others ask for a small annual fee to maintain your database entry. Check with your microchip provider to find out about ongoing costs.
- Procedure costs: The actual implantation of the microchip is usually simple and quick, and is often done during a routine vet visit. The price for this service alone will vary depending on your location and vet fees.
- Registration fee: Some microchip providers include registration costs in their overall fee; others charge extra for this service. Registration is required as it links the microchip’s unique ID number to your contact information in a database. To save money, ask to register the microchip yourself online.
How to save money on microchipping your pet
Overall, microchipping is a relatively low-cost, one-time investment that provides lifelong peace of mind.
If you’re looking to microchip your pet at a more affordable rate, many animal shelters, rescue groups, and even veterinary clinics offer discounted microchipping services. These discounts are often part of the adoption package or offered during special events such as “microchipping days.”
What is the purpose of microchipping pets?
The primary purpose of microchipping pets is to provide a permanent and reliable method of identification to help reunite lost pets with their owners. Unlike collars or tags that can fall off or be removed, microchips are implanted under your pet’s skin and remain with your pet for the rest of their life.
If you find a lost pet, you can take it to a veterinary clinic or animal shelter where a microchip scanner can read the chip’s unique ID number. This number is linked to the pet owner’s contact information in a national database, making it quick and easy to reunite the pet. Pet owners must keep their contact information up to date in the database where their pet’s microchip is registered.
Advantages of Microchips
Microchipping your pet has many great benefits:
- Increased chances of reunification: If your pet is taken to a shelter or veterinary clinic, scanning the microchip will provide instant contact information, greatly increasing the chances of being reunited with your pet.
- Permanent IdentificationUnlike collars and tags that can fall off or be removed, microchips provide your pet with a permanent, tamper-proof form of identification that remains with them for the rest of their life.
- Proof of OwnershipMicrochips are a reliable means of proving ownership, which is especially important in the event of theft or disputes over pet ownership.
- Universal ID NumberEach microchip contains a unique, universal identification number that can be read by scanners in shelters and veterinary clinics around the world.
- Wide acceptanceMicrochipping is widely accepted, and most shelters and veterinary clinics are equipped to scan for microchips.
Is microchipping required by law?
In the United States, legal requirements for pet microchipping vary by state and locality. There is no federal law requiring pets to be microchipped, but some states, cities and counties have enacted their own regulations.
Here are some important things to know about the legal requirements for pet microchipping in the United States.
- Laws regarding specific dog breeds: In some areas, breed-specific laws may require certain dog breeds that are considered dangerous or restricted to be microchipped. These laws are intended to more effectively track and control these dog breeds.
- Identifying lost pets: While microchipping is not legally required in some areas, it is highly recommended as a responsible pet owner. Many shelters and animal control agencies recommend or require that lost pets be microchipped before they are reunited with their owners.
- Mandatory microchipping for certain animalsSome states and localities require certain types of animals, such as dogs and cats adopted from shelters or rescue groups, to be microchipped. For example, in certain parts of California, all dogs and cats adopted from public animal shelters must be microchipped before they are released to new owners.
- Dog on a tripAll dogs entering the United States from other countries must be at least six months old, vaccinated against rabies, and microchipped.
Which insurance companies cover microchips?
Some pet insurance companies offer coverage for microchips.
ASPCA
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance Plans cover the cost of microchipping to increase the chances of your lost pet being reunited with their family.
Embrace
Embrace Pet Insurance offers a Wellness Rewards add-on that pet owners can add to their policy, where the plan allows pet owners to spend a pre-determined amount on preventative care such as microchipping.
Figo
Figo policyholders can add preventive care coverage to their insurance plan for an additional monthly fee, and the health plan can cover the cost of routine care such as microchipping.
lemonade
Lemonade’s preventative care packages for pets under the age of 2 cover the cost of routine care such as microchipping.
Liberty Mutual
Liberty Mutual has an Accident, Sickness and Health package that includes microchip coverage.
Nationwide
Nationwide’s pet wellness plan covers microchipping up to $40 per policy period.
Pet Vest
Pets Best’s health plans for puppies and kittens cover the cost of routine care like vaccinations and microchipping.
progressive
Progressive Pet Insurance’s preventative add-ons include microchipping coverage.
spot
Spot’s pet insurance plans cover the cost of microchipping your dog or cat, but not registration or renewal fees.
Next steps
Microchipping is essential to ensure your pet’s safety if they become separated from their owner, and while it’s not clear whether pet insurance will cover microchipping, the cost is generally reasonable and it can give you lifelong peace of mind.
When considering pet care, it is important to review your insurance policies and health plans that may include microchipping. If your pet is not already microchipped, the next step is to schedule a veterinary appointment or take advantage of a local microchipping event. Ensuring your pet has this permanent form of identification is a small investment that can have a big impact on your pet’s safety and health.
