Can I Microchip My Cat Myself? What Vets Say
Technically, you can purchase a microchip and inject it yourself, but it's not recommended. Vets advise against DIY microchipping due to risks of improper placement, infection, and registration failure. Professional microchipping is quick, safe, and ensures your cat's chip is correctly implanted and registered.
Can I microchip my cat myself? What the law and vets say
Yes, you can technically microchip your cat yourself—there's no federal law banning it, and most states don't prohibit it. But that doesn't mean you should. Veterinarians and animal welfare experts consistently advise against DIY microchipping. The procedure involves inserting a needle under the skin, and without proper training, you risk placing the chip incorrectly, causing infection, or having it migrate or fail to read later.
Most commenters on forums like Reddit advise against microchipping a cat at home. Even if you've watched a tutorial, the angle, depth, and location between the shoulder blades matter. A chip placed too deep may not be detected; too shallow can cause discomfort. Only a trained professional can ensure your cat's microchip is fitted correctly and works when it matters most.
If you're considering microchipping your cat yourself, think about what's at stake: your cat's safety and the chip's effectiveness. A visit to a veterinarian is quick and affordable, and it guarantees the job is done right. At Goodrich Veterinary Clinic in Omaha, we microchip cats daily—it's a routine part of responsible pet care.
What happens when a vet microchips your cat?
Microchipping is a simple, one-time procedure that takes seconds. Here's what you can expect:
- Preparation – The vet checks your cat's health and confirms the microchip is sterile and pre-loaded in the applicator.
- Positioning – Your cat is gently held; no anesthesia is needed. The chip is injected under the skin between the shoulder blades using a needle gauge similar to a routine vaccination.
- Insertion – The vet inserts the chip quickly. Most cats experience no discomfort at all during the procedure—it feels like a quick pinch.
- Scanning – Immediately after, the vet scans the chip to confirm it's reading correctly and is in the right spot.
- Registration – You'll receive the chip's ID number and instructions to register it in a national database—this step is crucial.
Aftercare is minimal: just monitor the injection site for a day or two. There's no recovery time, and your cat can go home right away.
Should I microchip my indoor cat? Pros and cons
Indoor cats can slip out an open door or escape during a move. Microchipping is a permanent ID that works even if your cat loses its collar. Here's a balanced look:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Permanent ID that can't be lost or removed | Requires a vet visit (though quick and painless) |
| Increases chances of being reunited if lost | Small upfront cost (varies by clinic) |
| Many shelters and vets scan for chips | Doesn't provide GPS tracking—only ID |
| Safe for kittens and adult cats | Rare risk of migration or infection (if done improperly) |
For indoor cats, the pros far outweigh the cons. A microchip is a low-cost insurance policy for a lifetime of peace of mind.
Microchipping cost: vet vs. DIY
DIY microchip kits are available online for around $20–$50, but they come with risks and often lack proper registration support. Professional microchipping at a vet clinic typically costs $40–$80, which includes the chip, insertion, and often the first registration. Here's what drives the cost:
| Factor | Why it matters | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Chip itself | ISO 11784/11785 compliant chips are standard | $15–$30 (part of vet fee) |
| Vet visit fee | Covers the exam and professional insertion | $30–$60 |
| Registration | Some clinics include the first registration; others charge separately | $0–$20 |
While DIY might seem cheaper, the cost of a botched job—infection, chip failure, or needing a vet to fix it—can be much higher. At Goodrich Veterinary Clinic, we offer transparent pricing; call us at (402) 896-4511 for a quote.
Microchip implant (animal)
A microchip implant is an identifying integrated circuit placed under the skin of an animal. The chip, about the size of a large grain of rice, uses passive radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology, and is also known as a PIT (passive integrated transponder) tag. Standard pet microchips are typically 11–13 mm long (approximately 1⁄2 inch) and 2 mm in diameter. Externally attached microchips such as RFID ear tags are commonly used to identify farm and ranch animals, with the exception of horses. Some external microchips can be read with the same scanner used with implanted chips. Animal shelters, animal control officers and veterinarians routinely look for microchips to return lost pets quickly to their owners, avoiding expenses for housing, food, medical care, outplacing and euthanasia. Many shelters place chips in all outplaced animals. Microchips are also used by kennels, breeders, brokers, trainers, registries, rescue groups, humane societies, clinics, farms, stables, animal clubs and associations, researchers, and pet stores. For your cat, a microchip is the most reliable way to ensure you're reunited if they ever get lost.
Directions to our Veterinarian in Omaha, NE from Chalco, Nebraska
Start at Chalco, Nebraska and head to Goodrich Veterinary Clinic at 14120 S St, Omaha, NE 68137.
After the microchip: registration and what to do next
Getting the chip implanted is only half the job. Registration is what makes it work. Here's your post-microchip checklist:
- Register the chip – Use the ID number provided by your vet to register your cat in a national database (e.g., HomeAgain, PetLink, etc.).
- Keep your contact info updated – If you move or change phone numbers, update your registry record immediately.
- Ask about previous chips – If your cat came with a chip from a previous owner, contact the registry to transfer ownership.
- Scan at checkups – Ask your vet to scan the chip during annual exams to ensure it's still reading correctly.
- Use with a collar – A microchip is a backup; a collar with tags is still your first line of ID.
Microchip safety and lifespan: what to expect
Microchips are designed to last for the life of your cat—typically 20 years or more. They're made of biocompatible glass and are inert, so they don't cause allergic reactions or require replacement. The chip itself has no battery; it's activated by the scanner, so it never wears out.
Side effects are extremely rare. The most common is minor swelling at the injection site, which resolves in a day or two. In very rare cases, a chip can migrate from the original site, but it still works and can be located by scanning the whole body. There's no evidence linking microchips to cancer in cats.
If you're still unsure, talk to your vet. At Goodrich Veterinary Clinic, we're happy to answer your questions and show you how a microchip works.
Get your cat microchipped in Omaha – book an appointment
Ready to microchip your cat safely? We're here to help. At Goodrich Veterinary Clinic in Omaha, we've been serving Millard, Ralston, La Vista, Papillion, Chalco, and West Omaha since 2014.
- Call us – Dial (402) 896-4511 to schedule a microchipping appointment. We're open Mon–Fri, 7:30 AM–6 PM (closed weekends).
- Book online – Use our online booking system for convenience, or just walk in during business hours.
- Visit us – We're at 14120 S St, Omaha, NE 68137, near Oak View Mall and Zorinsky Lake Park.
- Get chipped – Your cat will be microchipped in minutes, and we'll help you with registration.
New clients receive a free first exam (terms apply). We're proud to be a trusted veterinarian in Omaha, NE for all your pet care needs.
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Also asked as
- Can I microchip my cat at home?
- Is DIY cat microchipping safe?
- Should I microchip my cat myself or see a vet?
Frequently asked questions
What is the average cost of microchipping a cat?
The average cost is $40–$80, which typically includes the chip, insertion, and often the first registration. Prices vary by clinic and location.
How long do microchips last in cats?
Microchips are designed to last 20+ years—essentially the cat's lifetime. They have no battery and are activated by the scanner, so they don't wear out.
Is inserting a microchip painful for cats?
Most cats experience no discomfort at all—it's a quick pinch, similar to a vaccination. No anesthesia is needed.
Is it necessary to microchip an indoor cat?
While not required, it's highly recommended. Indoor cats can escape, and a microchip is a permanent ID that can't be lost or removed.
What if my cat has a microchip from a previous owner?
Contact the registry listed on the chip's ID number to transfer ownership to you. Your vet can scan the chip to get the registry information.