Introduction
Microchipping is a simple, safe, and reliable way to protect your pet and help ensure their quick recovery if lost. With millions of pet dogs and cats across India and increasing awareness about animal welfare, microchipping is becoming essential for responsible pet ownership. This article covers the importance of microchipping, the procedure, benefits, and how Indian pet parents can safeguard their furry friends in an effective way.
What is Microchipping?
A microchip is a tiny electronic device, about the size of a grain of rice, implanted beneath your pet’s skin typically between the shoulder blades. It contains a unique identification number linked to your contact details in a secure pet registry. This permanent ID cannot be lost or removed, unlike collars or tags.
In India, microchips compliant with ISO standards (134.2 kHz) are recommended, as they ensure compatibility with scanners used by veterinary clinics, animal shelters, and government authorities. This is especially important for pet travel and adoption.
Why Should Indian Pet Parents Microchip Their Pets?
- Reliable Identification Across India: Collars and tags can easily be lost or damaged, but a microchip stays with your pet for life. With stray and lost pet numbers rising in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore, microchipping helps shelters accurately identify and return your pet to you regardless of location.
- Increased Chances of Reuniting with Your Pet: Studies show that microchipped pets have a much higher likelihood of being reunited with their owners. As rescue groups and municipal bodies adopt scanning technologies, India is moving toward streamlined pet recovery systems supported by microchipping.
- Quick, Painless, and Vet-Performed Procedure: Veterinarians across India routinely offer microchipping during vaccinations or deworming visits. It takes only a few seconds, similar to a vaccination shot, and causes minimal discomfort to pets.
- Compliance with Indian Regulations: Some municipal corporations and animal welfare boards in India are promoting or mandating microchipping for registered pets and in adoption initiatives. This helps with pet ownership records and control of stray populations.
- Emergency and Medical Aid Support: If your pet is found injured or lost in emergencies, microchips provide immediate access to vital contact and medical history, enabling faster help and decisions by vets and rescue teams.
- Facilitates Pet Travel and Adoption: Microchipping is increasingly required for inter-state pet travel, airline travel, and adoption from shelters. It also supports animal welfare organization efforts for TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) programs and pet census documentation in India.
Microchipping Procedure in India: What to Expect
Microchipping is readily available at veterinary clinics and pet hospitals across metropolitan and urban India. Costs vary from ₹700 to ₹2,000 depending on the clinic and region. You can get it at ₹599 in all chennai branches and you can schedule an appointment here. Shelters and NGOs often provide low-cost or free microchipping during adoption events.
The microchip is implanted using a sterile syringe between the shoulder blades and is scanned immediately to confirm placement. Post care involves basic monitoring and no special treatment.
Microchip Registration and Database in India
To be effective, the microchip’s unique ID must be registered with a national or local pet recovery database. India has multiple registries and growing centralized databases supported by animal welfare organizations, veterinarians, and government bodies.
Popular registries include Petlog India, Animal Microchip Registry of India, and NGO-supported databases. Registration involves linking your contact details and pet’s information securely, which owners must keep updated to ensure contactability.
Benefits of Microchipping for Indian Pet Owners
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Permanent Identification | Lifetime ID that remains with your pet regardless of collar loss |
| Easy to Scan | All Indian veterinary clinics and shelters are equipped with microchip scanners |
| Supports Lost Pet Recovery | Improves chances of reunion through reliable identification |
| Legal Recognition | Complies with municipal animal control regulations as they evolve |
| Supports Animal Welfare | Facilitates adoption and TNR programs run by NGOs across India |
Cost and Accessibility in India
Microchipping is an affordable one-time procedure in India, ranging between ₹700 and ₹2,000 including registration (only ₹ 599 in all chennai branches of SKS Veterinary Hospital). Many welfare organizations provide subsidized or free microchipping camps to increase adoption success and reduce stray populations. Regular veterinary clinics also offer this service during wellness visits or vaccinations.
How to Choose the Right Microchip for Your Pet in India
Opt for ISO-compliant microchips (134.2 kHz) to ensure universal scanner compatibility, especially if you anticipate interstate or international travel. Consult your veterinarian about trusted brands and registration services available locally.
Conclusion
Microchipping is becoming a cornerstone of responsible pet ownership in India by offering secure, permanent identification and improving lost pet recovery rates. Its affordability, ease, and growing support from municipal and welfare bodies make it an excellent investment in your pet’s safety and your peace of mind. Whether in metros or smaller cities, getting your pet microchipped is a proactive step to protect your furry family member.
Ensure microchip registration is completed and your contact details are always current to maximize the benefits of this powerful tool. Schedule a visit to your nearest branch of SKS Veterinary Hospital to microchip your pet today.
FAQs about Microchipping for Indian Pet Owners
Yes, microchipping is a safe, FDA-approved procedure performed by licensed veterinarians nationwide. It involves minimal pain and risk, similar to a vaccination shot.
The implantation process is quick and typically causes only brief discomfort comparable to a vaccine injection.
While possible, removal requires veterinary surgery and is generally unnecessary. Microchips are intended to remain with your pet for life.
Costs vary but typically range from ₹700 to ₹2,000, which includes implantation and registration fees. But you can get it at ₹599 in all chennai branches of SKS Veterinary Hospital. You can schedule appointment here.
It is vital to update your microchip registration promptly with any changes to address, phone number, or email to ensure you can be reached if your pet is found.
While not yet nationally mandated, microchipping is widely recommended and increasingly required by some municipal corporations, shelters, and airlines for pet travel.
Yes, veterinary clinics and shelters across India are equipped with universal scanners that can read ISO-compliant microchips reliably.
Yes, pets of any age can safely receive a microchip at any time during a routine vet visit.
