Pet Microchipping in Monona and Madison
About one in three pets will become lost at some point in their life. A microchip gives your dog or cat permanent identification that cannot fall off or fade like a collar or tag. At Four Lakes Veterinary Clinic, we offer quick, safe microchipping for pets in Monona and Madison to help bring them home if they ever go missing.
How Pet Microchips Work
A microchip is a tiny device about the size of a grain of rice that is placed just under the skin between the shoulder blades. It has no battery or internal power source, so it lasts for your pet’s entire life. When a shelter, animal control officer, or veterinary clinic scans the chip, it displays a unique ID number linked to your contact information in a national pet recovery database.
A Quick, Gentle Procedure
Microchip placement takes only a few seconds and is similar to a routine injection. Most pets need no anesthesia, and many barely notice. Our Fear Free team uses treats and gentle handling to keep the experience calm. Many owners choose to microchip during a puppy or kitten vaccine visit, a wellness exam, or while their pet is already asleep for spay or neuter surgery or a dental procedure.
Registration Is the Most Important Step
A microchip only works if your contact information is registered and current. After placement, you will register your details with the microchip company’s recovery database. Remember to update your information whenever you move or change phone numbers, and keep a collar with ID tags on your pet as an extra layer of protection.
Microchip Scanning
Our clinic can scan pets to check for an existing microchip, confirm that a chip is still working, and help identify lost animals brought into our hospital. We recommend checking your pet’s chip at their yearly visit, especially before travel or a stay in our cat boarding program.
Part of a Complete Preventive Care Plan
Microchipping works best alongside other preventive care, such as parasite prevention for heartworm disease and Lyme disease, routine laboratory testing, and our Free Vaccines for Life program. Pets with noise phobias or anxiety are more likely to bolt during storms or fireworks, making a registered microchip especially important. Mixed-breed dog owners may also enjoy learning more with DNA testing.
Pet Microchipping FAQs
Does microchipping hurt my pet?
Microchipping feels similar to a routine vaccine. It takes only a few seconds, and most pets have little or no reaction.
Is a microchip a GPS tracker?
No. A microchip does not track your pet’s location. It stores an ID number that can be scanned to find your contact information in a recovery database.
How long does a microchip last?
A microchip has no battery and is designed to last for your pet’s entire life.
Do indoor cats need a microchip?
Yes. Indoor cats can slip out an open door or window, and a microchip greatly increases the chance they will be returned home.
What should I do after my pet is microchipped?
Register your contact information with the microchip company and update it any time you move or change your phone number.
Can you check if my pet already has a microchip?
Yes. We can scan your pet to confirm whether a microchip is present and working properly.
At what age can my pet be microchipped?
Puppies and kittens can be microchipped at a young age, often during a vaccine visit or at the time of spay or neuter surgery.
Give Your Pet a Way Home
Microchipping is a simple step that can make all the difference. Call Four Lakes Veterinary Clinic at (608) 819-6750 or request an appointment to microchip your pet in Monona and Madison.