Microchip Myths and Facts

Even the most responsible pet owners might accidentally leave a door or gate open, allowing their pet to escape. Ideally, a kind neighbor finds the pet and notices a collar with a phone number. But what if the pet doesn’t have a collar? How can it help you find its owner? Some pet owners know to post about their lost pet on pages like this, but many don’t. Similarly, some finders check these pages, but many don’t. Often, a pet ends up at the local animal shelter, which could mean fines or, worse, the pet being adopted out if its owner doesn’t realize it was taken there. A properly registered microchip can help ensure your pet gets home quickly.

Unfortunately, many people are hesitant to microchip their pets, choosing instead to face the risks of their pets not being found. Rumors about issues with microchipping have led many pet owners to avoid it altogether. Additionally, some individuals are firmly convinced by these myths and refuse to consider the facts. Here are a few of those myths.

Myth: Microchipping Is Painful for Pets

The procedure is minimally invasive and typically causes little discomfort. The microchip, about the size of a grain of rice, is injected under the pet’s skin (usually between the shoulder blades) using a needle. Most pets experience only brief discomfort, similar to a routine vaccination. Animals generally resume normal behavior immediately after.

Myth: Microchips Cause Cancer

There is no conclusive evidence linking microchips to cancer in pets. Early concerns arose from studies in rodents, where high doses of RFID chips caused tumors in some cases. However, these studies used different chip types and conditions not comparable to pet microchipping. Veterinary research, including studies by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), shows no significant cancer risk in dogs or cats from standard microchips.

Myth: Microchipping Eliminates the Need for Collars or Tags

Microchips complement, but do not replace collars and ID tags. Tags provide visible identification that anyone can read without special equipment, allowing for quicker reunions if a pet is found. Both forms of ID are recommended for maximum protection.

Myth: Microchips Can Be Easily Removed or Fall Out

Once implanted, microchips are designed to stay in place permanently. They are encased in biocompatible material that integrates with the pet’s tissue, preventing migration or expulsion. While rare cases of migration (the chip moving slightly under the skin) have been reported, this does not affect functionality, and removal requires surgical intervention, which is uncommon.

Myth: Microchips Store Personal Information About the Owner

Microchips only store a unique identification number, not personal data like the owner’s name, address, or phone number. This number is linked to the owner’s contact information in a secure registry database. Only authorized personnel (e.g., veterinarians, shelter staff or groups like Lost Pets of Omaha Area) can access this information by scanning the chip and contacting the registry. In many cases, the microchip company contacts the owner instead of the scanner.

Myth: Microchipping Is Expensive

The cost of microchipping is relatively affordable, typically ranging from $20 to $60, depending on the region and veterinary clinic. Compared to the cost of replacing a lost pet or treating an injury, microchipping is a cost-effective preventive measure. Lost Pets of Omaha Area offers $10 microchipping every day.

Myth: Microchips Don’t Need Registration

A microchip is only effective if registered with a pet recovery database. Without registration, the chip’s ID number cannot be linked to the owner’s contact information. Pet owners must register the chip with a reputable registry (e.g., HomeAgain, AVID, or PetLink) and keep their contact details updated to ensure lost pets can be returned. When you registered a pet using our $10 offer, you are required to fill out the HomeAgain registration form that we get handled for you.

Myth: Registering a Microchip is Expensive

There is no fee whatsoever to properly register a microchip. Many chip registration companies do offer expanded services, but they are completely optional.

Myth: Microchips Harm a Pet’s Health or Behavior

Microchips are made of biocompatible materials, like glass or polymer, that are safe for implantation. They do not emit signals or require batteries, so they have no ongoing impact on a pet’s health or behavior. Adverse reactions, such as infection or swelling at the injection site, are extremely rare (less than 0.1% of cases, according to veterinary data).

Myth: Microchips Track Your Pet’s Location Like a GPS

Microchips do not have GPS capabilities or active tracking functions. They are passive RFID (radio-frequency identification) devices that store a unique identification number. When scanned by a compatible reader, the chip provides the ID number, which can be linked to the owner’s contact information in a registry. To track a pet’s location in real-time, a separate GPS tracking device is needed.

Key References from Veterinary & Major Organizations

1. American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) - Microchipping FAQ
https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/microchips-reunite-pets-families/microchipping-faq
This is one of the most respected sources. It directly addresses myths like GPS tracking ("The microchip is not a GPS device"), cancer risk (no causal link proven, very low risk far outweighed by benefits), and more. Many sites (including Humane Societies and your own page) reference AVMA studies showing dramatically higher return-to-owner rates for microchipped pets (e.g., dogs 2.5x more likely, cats up to 21x).

2. AVMA Study on Microchip Effectiveness (often cited as Lord et al., JAVMA 2009)
Referenced widely for reunion stats: e.g., only 15% of dogs and 2% of cats without ID return home vs. much higher with registered microchips.
See: https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/javma/235/2/javma.235.2.160.xml (or search "AVMA microchip study 2009" for details).

3. Michelson Found Animals - "5 Things You Didn't Know About Microchips"
https://www.foundanimals.org/5-things-you-didnt-know-about-microchips/
Directly debunks myths like "A microchip does NOT store any of your information" and "A microchip is NOT a GPS." It also cites the AVMA reunion stats.

4. 24PetWatch - Debunking Pet Microchip Myths
https://www.24petwatch.com/ca/blog/pet-microchip-myths
Addresses GPS myth, automatic registration false, privacy, and indoor pets.

5. SPCA Albrecht Center / Similar Welfare Sites
https://www.letlovelive.org/news/pet-microchip-myths-and-facts/
Good for myths like no GPS, minimal pain, and indoor pets needing chips — often cross-references AVMA data.