Introduction
Dog microchipping is a process whereby a small chip the size of a grain of rice is implanted under a dog’s skin. This chip contains a unique identification number that can be used to identify the dog if they ever go missing or end up in a shelter. Microchipping is an effective way for pet owners to ensure their dogs can be identified and returned home safely if lost.
The main purpose of microchipping dogs is to quickly connect lost pets with their owners. The microchip itself does not contain any personal information like owner’s contact details – it just has a unique ID. These ID numbers are registered in a database linked to the owner’s contact information. So when a shelter or vet scans a stray dog for a microchip, they can look up the ID number to find the owner’s details and contact them.
Average Cost of Microchipping a Dog in Texas
The average cost to microchip a dog in Texas ranges from $25 to $60, which is in line with national averages. According to Forbes, the typical cost to microchip a dog across the U.S. is around $50. Prices in Texas fall within this range.
Some veterinary clinics and animal shelters in Texas charge on the lower end of the range, from $25 to $35. For example, GoodRx reports that microchipping costs as little as $25 at vaccine clinics or shelters. However, prices at private veterinarian offices tend to be higher, from $45 to $60.
While costs vary between specific vets and locations, Texas is generally on par with the national average microchipping cost for dogs.
Factors That Influence the Cost
There are several factors that can cause the cost of microchipping a dog in Texas to vary:
Size of Dog – Smaller dogs are generally cheaper to microchip than larger breeds. The chip implantation process is quicker and easier for a Chihuahua than for a Great Dane.
Vet vs Low-Cost Clinic – Getting your dog microchipped at your regular vet will likely be more expensive than going to a low-cost clinic or shelter. Vets may charge an office visit fee on top of the microchip fee.1
Additional Services – Some vet offices bundle the microchip implantation with other services like vaccinations, heartworm testing, etc. This can increase the overall cost but may be more convenient.
Overall the cost ranges from $25-$60 on average in Texas, with specific prices depending on factors like location, clinic fees, and dog size.2 It pays to shop around if looking for the lowest price.
Microchipping Services in Major Texas Cities
The cost of microchipping a dog can vary between major cities in Texas. Here’s a comparison of average costs in some of the largest metro areas:
In Houston, microchipping services tend to range from $25-50 at local veterinarian offices and pet clinics according to this source. Some low-cost events may offer chipping for as little as $10.
Dallas area vets charge about $25-45 on average for microchip implantation based on estimates from pet owner forums. The city sometimes holds free chipping events as well, like those described here.
In Austin, prices are comparable to the $25-50 range seen in Houston and Dallas according to checked estimates. The city partners with local shelters and rescues to provide low or no-cost events periodically.
Costs in San Antonio tend to be on the lower end, with many clinics offering microchipping for $15-35. The city also sponsors free chipping events on occasion, bringing the cost down to zero for pet owners.
Across all four major metro areas in Texas, microchipping a dog generally ranges from $15-50 depending on the clinic, with prices trending cheaper in San Antonio. Low or no-cost events are also available periodically thanks to sponsorships by local government agencies and shelters.
Low-Cost Microchipping Events
There are several organizations in Texas that periodically hold free or low-cost microchipping events for pet owners. These events provide an affordable opportunity to get your dog microchipped and registered. Some also offer discounted or free vaccinations.
For example, Austin Animal Center hosts regular low-cost microchipping clinics throughout the year. Their microchipping is usually $15, but is sometimes offered for free during special events (source). You can check their events calendar for upcoming low-cost microchip offerings.
San Antonio Animal Care Services also holds free rabies vaccination and microchip events multiple times per month. They partner with local organizations to provide free microchips, vaccines, and other discounted services at various locations across San Antonio (source).
Non-profits like Prevent A Litter offer monthly low-cost microchip clinics across Texas as well. Their microchipping is usually around $15-20 per pet (source).
Importance of Registering the Microchip
Getting your dog microchipped is an important first step, but it’s crucial to also register the microchip with a database registry for identification purposes. As the KB.RSPCA article notes, “The microchip number is recorded on a microchip database registry with details about the animal and owner. Pet owners need to ensure their contact details are kept up-to-date so they can be contacted if their pet goes missing.”1
Without registering the microchip, shelters and veterinarians have no way to look up the owner’s contact information if a lost pet is found. As the American Veterinary Medical Association explains, “If they find a microchip, and if the microchip registry has accurate information, they can quickly find the animal’s owner.”2 Having current contact details on file with a registry greatly improves the chances of being reunited with a lost pet.
It’s recommended to register the microchip right away and check annually that your contact info is up-to-date. The microchip itself provides permanent ID, but registering it provides the essential link back to you as the owner.
Microchip Registration Costs
Registering your dog’s microchip with a registry is essential to ensure you can be contacted if your dog gets lost. There are some one-time fees and potential annual fees associated with microchip registries.
The major microchip registries in the US include HomeAgain, 24PetWatch, and AKC Reunite. HomeAgain charges a one-time registration fee of $19.99 to register your pet’s microchip. There are no annual fees required to keep your registration active, contrary to popular belief. As reported by Bellevue Animal Hospital, “A common misconception among pet owners is that you must renew your pet’s registration annually, at the cost of $19.99, in order to keep your pet’s microchip active” (Source).
24PetWatch has a one-time registration fee of $19.99. They also offer optional annual membership plans that provide additional features like pet recovery services, starting at $17.99 per year. AKC Reunite charges a one-time fee of $20 for standard registration. Unlike HomeAgain and 24PetWatch, AKC Reunite does not offer annual membership options.
So in summary, while microchip registration does come with a one-time fee around $20, annual fees are generally optional add-ons and not required simply to keep your pet’s microchip active.
Things to Consider Before Microchipping
Like any medical procedure, there are pros and cons to microchipping your dog that should be carefully weighed before making a decision. The implantation process itself is quick and relatively painless. A vet or trained technician inserts a chip about the size of a grain of rice under your dog’s skin between the shoulder blades using a needle. It only takes a few seconds and most dogs tolerate it well with little discomfort. However, some potential downsides exist.
While adverse reactions are rare, some dogs may develop swelling, infection, abscesses or tissue reactions around the microchip implantation site (source). The microchips themselves are passive devices and don’t have a battery or transmitter that could pose health risks. However, there is a slight chance the microchip could migrate away from the original implantation site and become difficult to scan (source).
Additionally, microchipping alone does not guarantee you will be reunited with a lost pet. It’s essential to register your contact information in a pet recovery database associated with the microchip. Keep your registration updated if you move or change phone numbers. Only about 58% of microchipped pets that enter shelters are successfully returned to owners due to outdated registrations (source).
Aftercare Following Implantation
After the microchip is implanted, it’s important to follow some basic aftercare guidelines to ensure proper healing and prevent complications. The microchip is inserted under the skin through a large bore hypodermic needle. Though the procedure is quick, there may be mild pain, swelling, or bruising around the injection site that can last for a few days (source).
Some recommendations for aftercare include (source):
- Avoid bathing or swimming for 2-3 days to keep the implantation site clean and dry.
- No strenuous activity or dog parks for 24 hours post-implantation.
- Check the injection site daily for signs of infection like redness, swelling, or discharge.
- Contact your vet if you notice symptoms of pain, infection, or if the microchip migrates from the implantation site.
While rare, potential complications include migration of the microchip, failure to scan or read the chip, infection or rejection. Careful implantation technique and proper aftercare helps avoid issues. Most pets tolerate microchipping very well with no long-term side effects (source). If any abnormalities persist beyond a few days, consult your veterinarian.
Conclusion
Microchipping your dog is one of the best ways to provide permanent identification and help ensure lost pets can be reunited with their owners. The average cost to get a dog microchipped in Texas is between $25 and $50, but low-cost opportunities are frequently available. Consider signing up for microchipping events in your area to take advantage of discounted rates. When budgeting for the procedure, be sure to include the cost of registering the microchip, which is usually around $20.
Registration is key to getting the most out of a microchip, so don’t forget to activate the chip and update your contact information regularly. While microchipping is quick and safe for pets, it’s important to watch for signs of soreness or infection at the implantation site in the days following. Overall, the small upfront investment in microchipping can give dog owners invaluable peace of mind.
To reconnect lost pets with their families, Texas residents should take advantage of affordable microchipping opportunities to get their dogs protected with this permanent form of ID.