If your dog or cat was microchipped years ago, you may wonder whether the chip eventually expires or needs to be replaced.
The good news is that pet microchips are designed to last for your pet’s entire lifetime. Unlike GPS trackers or electronic devices, they do not contain batteries and do not require charging.
In most cases, once a pet is microchipped, the chip itself should continue functioning for life.
How microchips work
A pet microchip is a small device, about the size of a grain of rice, that sits beneath your pet’s skin.
The chip contains a unique identification number that can be read by a scanner used by veterinary clinics, shelters, and animal control organizations.
Because the chip does not actively transmit information, it only becomes active when scanned.
That means there is:
- No battery to replace
- No charging required
- No routine maintenance needed
If you want to learn more about the technology, check out our guide on how microchips work in dogs or how microchips work in cats.
The chip does not expire, but information can become outdated
This is where many pet owners run into problems.
The microchip itself may still work perfectly years later, but the contact information attached to it may no longer be accurate.
Common issues include:
- Old phone numbers
- Previous addresses
- Outdated email addresses
- Ownership changes after adoption
In many lost pet cases, the chip is detected successfully but the owner cannot be reached because the registration information is no longer current.
How to make sure your microchip still works
During routine veterinary visits, many clinics can scan your pet’s microchip to verify it is being detected properly.
This quick check can:
- Confirm the chip is readable
- Verify the chip number
- Help identify registration issues
Many veterinarians recommend checking the chip periodically, especially if it has been several years since implantation.
Can a microchip stop working?
It is uncommon, but like any technology, microchips can occasionally fail.
Fortunately, this is considered rare.
More often, the issue is not that the chip stopped working. Instead, the problem is that the registration information was never completed or has not been updated.
That is why maintaining accurate records is just as important as the chip itself.
What happens if you move or change phone numbers?
Whenever your contact information changes, update your microchip registration as soon as possible.
Important updates include:
- New home address
- New phone number
- New email address
- New emergency contact
A microchip is only as useful as the information connected to it.
What if you adopt a pet with a microchip?
Many adopted pets already have microchips.
If you recently adopted a dog or cat, it is important to verify ownership information and transfer the registration if needed.
Otherwise, a shelter or veterinary clinic may contact the previous owner if the pet is ever found.
Learn more about how to transfer microchip ownership to ensure the registration information is connected to you.
Why microchips are still worth it
Even though collars and tags are important, they can be lost, damaged, or removed.
A microchip provides:
- Permanent identification
- Lifetime protection
- Better chances of reunion if a pet is lost
- Proof of ownership in some situations
That is why veterinarians recommend microchipping for both indoor and outdoor pets.
A small device that lasts a lifetime
Pet microchips do not expire, and most are designed to function for your pet’s entire life. The most important thing you can do is make sure the registration information stays accurate and up to date.
If you are unsure whether your pet has a microchip, whether it is registered, or whether the information is current, our team can help.
Schedule an appointment today to have your pet’s microchip checked and updated if needed.
