Microchipping
Microchipping
Animal Microchipping in Nashville, TN
At City Pets Animal Care, we believe that a microchip is one of the most important tools you can use to protect your pet. That’s why we offer pet microchipping in Nashville, TN, providing a quick, safe, and affordable way to ensure your dog or cat has permanent identification if they ever go missing.
Unlike collars or tags that can fall off or be removed, an animal microchip offers a lifetime connection between you and your pet. Implanted beneath the skin in a procedure that takes just seconds, a microchip dramatically increases the chances of being reunited if your pet is lost. In fact, lost dogs with a microchip are nearly three times more likely to return home, and lost cats are more than 18 times more likely to be found.
Whether you’re welcoming a new puppy or kitten or looking to update your pet’s preventative care plan, our team is here to help. As part of our commitment to your pet’s well-being, we even register the chip on your behalf, saving you the extra step and ensuring everything is properly recorded from day one.
What Is Pet Microchipping and Why Is It Important?
A microchip is a tiny, biocompatible device implanted just under your pet’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades. It contains a unique identification number that’s stored in a secure national registry.
When a lost pet is brought to a vet clinic or shelter, they are scanned for a microchip. If a chip is present and registered with your current contact information, the registry service reaches out to you directly.
Why it matters:
- Microchips can’t fall off or be removed on purpose like collars or tags
- They are permanent and reliable
- They serve as legal proof of ownership
- They significantly increase the chance of reunion
- Dogs: Nearly 3x more likely to be returned
- Cats: More than 18x more likely to be returned
At City Pets Animal Care, we make sure your pet’s microchip is properly registered to you, and we remind you to update your contact information whenever it changes.
Is Pet Microchipping Required in Nashville, TN?
No, pet microchipping is not legally required for privately owned pets in Nashville. However, pets adopted from shelters or rescue organizations are typically microchipped before adoption.
Even though it’s not mandated by law, microchipping is strongly recommended. If your pet goes missing, a microchip may be the only way they can be identified and returned to you. Every animal shelter and veterinary office in Nashville is equipped with a microchip scanner and follows strict procedures to identify found pets.
How Does the Veterinary Microchipping Process Work?
Microchipping is a quick, non-surgical procedure. Here’s what you can expect:
- A sterile microchip is loaded into a single-use applicator
- The chip is inserted just beneath the skin between your pet’s shoulder blades
- The process takes only seconds and does not require anesthesia
- Most pets barely react—it’s similar to receiving a routine vaccine
- At City Pets, we register the chip for you with your name, address, phone number, and email
Many of our clients choose to microchip their pet during a wellness visit, vaccine appointment, or their first puppy/kitten exam. Our team is trained to make the experience as smooth and stress-free as possible.
At What Age Should I Microchip My Puppy or Kitten?
We recommend microchipping pets as early as 8 weeks of age—usually at their first veterinary appointment. You never expect to lose a new puppy or kitten, but accidents can happen. Microchipping early helps ensure your pet is protected from the start.
If your pet is older, it’s never too late. Microchipping can be done at any age over 8 weeks and takes just a few minutes. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in your pet’s long-term safety.
How Long Does a Pet Microchip Last?
Microchips are designed to last for your pet’s entire life. However, while rare, it is possible for a microchip to stop functioning properly. According to industry data, this happens in less than 1 in 10,000 pets.
To ensure your chip is still working, we recommend a quick annual scan, which we include as part of your pet’s yearly wellness visit. If we ever detect an issue, we can replace the chip immediately.
What Happens if My Lost Pet Is Found With a Microchip?
If your pet is found and brought to a vet clinic or shelter in Nashville, here’s what typically happens:
- The facility scans your pet for a chip
- The chip’s ID number is used to contact the registry
- The registry reaches out to you via phone, email, and mail
- You and the person who found your pet coordinate a safe reunion
Microchipped pets are usually held longer in shelters, and more contact attempts are made to reach their owner. That’s why it’s so important to keep your information up to date. At City Pets, we take the extra step of registering your pet’s chip for you, so you can rest assured it’s done right.
Can Out-of-State Microchips Be Registered in Nashville?
Yes. If you recently moved to the Nashville area and your pet was chipped elsewhere, you can easily update your contact details, such as your address, phone number, or email, by contacting the chip manufacturer directly.
If you’re not sure how to begin, just bring your chip paperwork to your next appointment, and we’ll guide you through the update process.
What Are the Benefits of Microchipping a Pet?
There are countless reasons to microchip your dog or cat. A few of the most important:
- Permanent ID that can’t be removed or altered
- Higher return-to-owner rates for lost pets
- Legal proof of ownership
- Quick and low-cost procedure
- No need for sedation
- Registered and managed by our team
At City Pets, our experienced veterinarians and nurses perform every microchipping with care. We take your pet’s safety seriously and handle the process from start to finish, including registration.
Why Choose City Pets for Pet Microchipping Services?
- We register your pet’s microchip for you, using the most accurate contact info on file.
- We recommend and perform annual chip scans to verify function
- We offer microchipping during any routine visit, no separate appointment necessary
- We stay up to date with national registry protocols, so your chip is valid and accessible nationwide
- We’re trusted by Nashville-area pet owners, shelters, and rescues for compassionate, personalized pet care
Schedule Pet Microchipping in Nashville, TN Today
At City Pets Animal Care in Nashville, TN, microchipping is more than a service; it’s a commitment to your pet’s safety. Whether you’re a new pet parent or want to update your pet’s protection plan, our team is here to make the process simple, fast, and stress-free.
Contact us today to schedule your dog or cat’s microchipping appointment and enjoy peace of mind for years to come