A Story That Reminds Us Why Microchips Matter
About seven years ago, we received a call from a family in West Palm Beach whose Golden Retriever had bolted through an open gate during a thunderstorm. Three weeks later, someone found him wandering around twenty miles away in Delray Beach. No collar, no tags. The shelter scanned him, found his microchip, and within two hours there was a family reunion.
Without that chip? Honestly, they probably wouldn’t have found him. That’s why we’re adamant about microchipping every pet that comes through our practice.
What Actually Happens When Your Pet Gets Lost
Here’s what most people don’t realize: when a lost pet shows up at a shelter or vet clinic in Palm Beach County, the first thing staff members do is scan for a microchip. Not check for a collar. Not post on Facebook first. They scan. Because collars fall off. Tags fade. But a microchip? That’s permanent.
The chip itself is tiny, like a grain of rice (maybe smaller), and it sits right under the skin between the shoulder blades. Each one has a unique ID number that links to your contact information in a national database. So when a shelter worker waves a scanner over your dog, your phone number pops up. Simple as that.
Dr. Steve has taken care of our pets for over fifteen years and he is the best! Outstanding at diagnosis and treatment, and he always gives excellent advice. House calls are great especially if you have multiple pets–and, if needed, the clinic is beautiful and up-to-date.
Pet Owner
The Microchipping Procedure (It’s Really No Big Deal)
Over the years, we’ve microchipped thousands of pets, and we can tell you it’s one of the easiest procedures we perform. Takes seconds and feels like a regular vaccine shot. No anesthesia needed, which is ideal because this is such a quick procedure.
Here’s how it works:
- Quick health check – We make sure everything looks good
- Clean the area – Between the shoulder blades
- Insert the chip – Using a sterile applicator (looks like a slightly bigger vaccine needle)
- Scan immediately – To verify it’s working and positioned correctly
- Help with registration – We assist with registering it in the national database
The registration part is critical. The chip only works if your information is actually in the system. We handle that for you during the visit, so you don’t have to remember to do it later.
Investment in Your Pet’s Safety
Every microchipping service we provide includes the chip itself, the implantation, and lifetime registration for $49. Call us at (561) 493-3860 for convenient appointment times. We also offer package deals if you’re getting vaccinations done at the same time, which makes sense for new puppies or rescue adoptions.
This is important to understand: this is a one-time cost for lifetime protection. You’re not paying monthly fees or annual renewals for the chip itself. Just update your contact information if you move or change phone numbers, which you can do online for free.
Understanding the Database System
There are multiple chip manufacturers (HomeAgain, Avid, and others), each with their own registry. But here’s what matters: when a shelter scans your pet, their scanner reads chips from ALL manufacturers. Universal scanners are standard now. So it doesn’t matter which brand chip your pet has. Any shelter or vet in the country can read it.
We typically use HomeAgain microchips because they’re reliable and their customer service is helpful when clients need to update information.
Why This Matters in Palm Beach County
Palm Beach County has everything that makes pets go missing: hurricanes, thunderstorms, construction noise, people leaving gates open, and busy roads. Animal Care and Control in Palm Beach County is excellent about scanning every pet that comes in, but they’re also busy. The faster they can identify your pet, the faster you get that phone call.
We’ve seen too many situations where a pet was found but never made it home because there was no way to identify them. Usually it’s an older dog who slipped their collar, or a cat who got spooked and ran. These things happen. But a microchip provides a way home.
What Our Clients Say
I have known and used Dr Steve as my veterinarian for more than 20 years. From first shots, to the final moments, Dr. Steve is there. Oh yeah! House calls rock!!
Pet Owner
Dr Steve hands down is the best vet I’ve ever met here in Florida. He is very detailed and extremely knowledgeable.
Pet Owner
Does it hurt?
About the same as a vaccine. Most pets don’t even react when we do it. Some yelp for a second, but then they’re fine. Many dogs sit there and don’t even flinch.
Can it move around inside my pet?
Technically possible but really rare. This was an issue many years ago but today chips have anti-migration technology. The area between the shoulder blades doesn’t have a lot of movement, and the chip is designed to stay put. In over thirty years of veterinary practice, we’ve seen maybe three chips migrate slightly, and they were still easily scannable.
When should I get my pet microchipped?
Inserting a microchip can be done at any office visit. There are no age restrictions. The most common time we do it is when the pet is spayed or neutered.
What if I move or change my phone number?
Just log into the registry website and update your information. Takes two minutes. That’s why registration is so important – you need access to that account.
Can the shelter definitely find my contact information?
If the chip is registered with current information? Yes. If you never registered it or your info is ten years old? That’s a problem. That’s why we help you register it right during your visit so it’s done correctly from the start.
Is microchipping required in Palm Beach County?
While not legally required, it’s strongly recommended by animal control and shelters throughout Palm Beach County. Many adoption agencies now microchip pets before adoption. If your pet gets picked up by Animal Control they will require you to microchip before releasing the pet back to you.
Schedule Your Pet’s Microchipping
We provide microchipping during regular house calls, or you can visit our facility in Lantana. Either option works for your convenience.
We serve all of Palm Beach County, including West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Jupiter, Wellington, Lake Worth, Palm Beach Gardens, Delray Beach, and surrounding areas.
If you’ve been putting this off thinking “I’ll get to it eventually,” we understand. Everyone’s busy. But eventually has a way of becoming “too late” when your dog bolts during a thunderstorm or your cat slips out an open door.
Twenty minutes and a one-time cost for permanent protection. That’s the investment in your pet’s safety.
All About Town Pet House Calls
📍 Serving Palm Beach County
📞 (561) 493-3860
🕒 Mon-Fri 8am-6pm
🏠 House Calls Available Throughout Palm Beach County
Service Areas: West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Jupiter, Wellington, Lake Worth, Palm Beach Gardens, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Royal Palm Beach, Lantana, and surrounding communities.
Ready to protect your pet with microchipping? Schedule an appointment or learn more about our comprehensive mobile veterinary services.