What is a microchip and how does it work?

A microchip is one of the best types of identification your animal can have.  It is a small device about the size of a grain of rice (12mm) that is encoded with a unique identification code and then injected under your pets skin.  Since it's injected under the skin, it is permanent.  It won't get scratched or lost if your pet gets out.  It won't get taken off with your pets collar when it's bath time.  It's with your pet for the rest of their life.

Microchipping your pet is a simple procedure, where a member of our vet staff injects a microchip beneath the surface of your pets skin between the shoulder blades. The process is similar to a routine vaccine/injection, takes only a few seconds, and your pet will not react any more than he or she would to a vaccination.  No anesthetic is required for the procedure.  The microchip has no internal energy source, so it will last the life of your pet.  It is read by passing a microchip scanner over the pets shoulder blades.  The scanner emits a low radio frequency that provides the power necessary to transmit the microchips unique cat or dog ID code and positively identify the pet.

How can I get my pet Microchipped?

Simply bring your dog, cat, or rabbit to the Rancho Cucamonga Animal Care and Adoption Center during business hours and let our Office Staff know you are there for a microchip.  The cost is only $25 for a lifetime of security for your pet.  When you purchase a microchip at the Animal Center, your pet will be given a HomeAgain microchip and is automatically registered in HomeAgain's Pet Recovery Database.

If your pet gets lost and is taken to any animal shelter or veterinarian, they will scan for a microchip and be able to read its unique ID code. This is the number used by HomeAgain to identify the pet and retrieve your contact information, which is used to contact you and reunite you with your pet.  Click on the HomeAgain logo below for more information about HomeAgain Microchips.