Microchipping is one of the most effective ways to ensure your pet’s safety, and it’s becoming increasingly popular in India. This small, rice-sized device can help reunite lost dogs and cats with their owners, providing peace of mind to pet parents everywhere. However, like many pet-related procedures, microchipping is surrounded by myths and misconceptions that may prevent pet owners from taking this important step.

In this blog, we’ll address the most common myths about microchipping pets in India and separate fact from fiction to help you make an informed decision about your pet’s safety.

Myth 1: Microchips Are Trackers for Pets

Fact: One of the most persistent myths about microchipping is that it allows you to track your pet’s location in real-time, much like a GPS tracker. However, this is not true.

Microchips are not tracking devices. They do not have GPS or cellular capabilities, meaning they cannot transmit the location of your pet. Instead, a microchip functions as a permanent ID that stores a unique identification number linked to a database containing your contact details. If your pet is lost and scanned by a veterinarian, shelter, or animal control officer, they can access your information and contact you to reunite you with your pet. It’s a form of identification, not a tracking system.

Myth 2: Microchips Are Painful for Pets

Fact: Many pet owners worry that microchipping is a painful procedure for their pets. While it’s true that it’s an injection, the discomfort is minimal and temporary.

The microchip is implanted under the pet’s skin using a needle that is similar to a vaccination injection. The procedure typically takes just a few seconds and is done without the need for anesthesia. Most pets experience only a brief sensation of discomfort, similar to a routine vaccine shot. There may be slight swelling or tenderness at the injection site, but these side effects are temporary and usually go away within a day or two.

Microchipping is considered a quick and non-invasive procedure with little to no long-term discomfort for your pet.

Myth 3: Microchips Can Move Around Under the Skin

Fact: Another common misconception is that the microchip can migrate or move around inside your pet’s body after implantation, making it difficult or impossible to scan.

While it’s true that the microchip is a small device, the chance of it migrating is very low. Microchips are designed to remain in place under the skin, typically between the shoulder blades, where they are implanted. The chip is about the size of a grain of rice and is encased in a biocompatible material that prevents it from moving significantly. In the rare cases where the chip does migrate, it typically doesn’t move far from its original location, and it can still be scanned by a veterinary clinic or shelter.

To minimize the chance of migration, it’s important that the microchip is implanted by a trained professional who knows how to properly insert the device.

Myth 4: Microchips Can Cause Cancer or Health Issues

Fact: Some pet owners have concerns about the potential health risks associated with microchips, including the fear that they might cause cancer or other health complications.

However, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that microchips cause cancer or pose significant health risks to pets. Microchips are made from safe materials, and the implantation process is similar to receiving a routine vaccine. While there may be a tiny risk of infection at the injection site (as with any procedure involving a needle), the chances are extremely low when proper hygiene and care are followed.

The vast majority of pets experience no adverse reactions to microchipping, and the benefits far outweigh any minimal risks associated with the procedure.

Myth 5: Microchipping is Only for Expensive Pets or Purebreeds

Fact: Microchipping is for all pets, regardless of their breed or value. It’s a responsible step for every pet owner to take, whether you have a purebred dog, a mixed-breed cat, or a stray.

The idea that microchipping is only necessary for purebred or “valuable” pets is simply not true. Every pet, regardless of their breed, age, or size, can get lost, and microchipping is the best way to ensure that you can be contacted if they wander off or get separated from you. Stray animals, as well as pets adopted from shelters, also benefit greatly from microchipping, as it improves their chances of being reunited with their owners.

In fact, in countries where microchipping is mandated for pets, it’s often considered a standard procedure for all pets — not just for those of a specific breed or pedigree.

Myth 6: Microchips Are Only Useful If Your Pet Gets Lost Locally

Fact: Microchipping offers global security and works anywhere, not just in the area where your pet lives. This is particularly helpful if you travel with your pet or if they end up in a shelter far from home.

Most microchips used in India are internationally recognized and can be scanned by shelters, veterinarians, and animal control officers worldwide. Whether your pet is lost in a nearby neighborhood or in another country, a microchip can help identify them and get them back to you, as long as their information is up-to-date in the relevant pet registry database. If you’re planning to travel internationally with your pet, a microchip is often a requirement to ensure compliance with international pet import/export regulations.

Myth 7: Microchips Are Expensive and Not Worth the Cost

Fact: Microchipping is a highly affordable and one-time cost that provides a lifetime of security for your pet.

The cost of microchipping in India typically ranges from INR 500 to INR 2,500, depending on the clinic and location. This is a small investment when you consider the lifelong benefits. While pet collars and ID tags can fall off or get damaged, a microchip remains in place for your pet’s entire life, providing permanent identification. The potential costs associated with losing a pet — such as emotional stress, lost time, and money spent on search efforts — make microchipping an invaluable safeguard for both you and your pet.

Additionally, many veterinary clinics offer microchipping as part of a package deal during routine vaccinations or spaying/neutering, making it even more accessible for pet owners.

Myth 8: Microchips Can Be Removed or Disabled

Fact: Microchips cannot be removed or disabled without surgery, and they cannot be tampered with once they are implanted.

Once a microchip is implanted under your pet’s skin, it becomes a permanent form of identification. The chip cannot be removed without a surgical procedure, and the information it contains cannot be altered or erased. This ensures that your pet’s ID remains intact and verifiable for life, unlike traditional tags or collars, which can be lost or damaged.

Some people mistakenly believe that microchips can be “turned off” or disabled, but this is not the case. The chip remains in your pet's body, continuously available for scanning by animal shelters or vets if needed.

Conclusion: Don’t Let Myths Stop You from Microchipping Your Pet

Microchipping is one of the safest, most effective, and affordable ways to ensure that your pet is permanently identified. Despite the myths and misconceptions that surround it, microchipping remains a crucial step in responsible pet ownership. It’s a simple, quick procedure with lifelong benefits that significantly increases the chances of reuniting with your pet if they go missing.

If you're a pet parent in India, don’t let these myths deter you from getting your pet microchipped. The truth is that microchipping is a small, but significant, investment in your pet’s safety. It’s an easy and reliable way to make sure that if the worst happens, your furry friend can be returned to you quickly and safely.

Take the step to protect your pet today — microchip them and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing they’ll always have a way home.