Chipping dogs and cats | Filu - Your Vet Practice
Chipping dogs and cats
Safe on the move and clearly identifiable with a microchip
More safety for your pet - why a chip is so important
Captive identification
A microchip is the only permanent way to clearly and securely identify your pet. While collars can be lost, damaged or stolen, the microchip stays safe and inconspicuous under the skin for life. It cannot fade, be tampered with or removed. Even after years, the chip reliably provides the stored information so vets and animal shelters can identify your pet at a glance. This ensures your pet can always be assigned to you—no matter where it is.
Faster back home
Scientific studies prove it: chipped dogs are returned to their owners 2.5 times more often, cats even 21 times more often. Animal shelters, vets and even the police scan for a chip as standard - so your pet can be quickly and clearly identified in an emergency. In the event of theft, the chip also serves as legally secure proof of ownership for you. At filu, we only use tested ISO standard chips that are reliably readable worldwide.
Taking responsibility
With a microchip, you are not only protecting your own pet, but also making a contribution to animal welfare. Identified animals are less likely to end up in overcrowded animal shelters and help prevent epidemics, for example through rabies monitoring. In many countries, the chip is also mandatory when traveling. Implantation takes just a few seconds, is virtually painless and requires no aftercare - a small measure with a big impact!
This is how the chipping process works
Preparation
Before chipping, we check together whether your pet is healthy and relaxed. The puncture site - usually on the left side of the neck - is thoroughly disinfected. You can of course be very close to your pet and stroke their fur to reassure them.
Chipping
The small microchip is inserted under the skin with a special, sterile needle - this only takes a few seconds and feels like a short prick. No anesthetic is required and your pet can move freely again immediately afterwards.
Inspection
Immediately after insertion, we use a reader to check that the chip is correctly positioned and can be read without any problems. The unique chip number is then entered in the EU pet passport so that all important information is immediately available.
Registration
After visiting the vet, you should register the chip free of charge with a central database such as TASSO or FINDEFIX. This is the only way animal shelters and vets can find your contact details in an emergency and return your four-legged friend to you quickly.
Chipping dogs and cats: Everything you need to know!
The digital ID card for animals
The chip practically gives your animal friend their own ID card. The chip number - together with your contact details - is stored in a central database. If your pet gets lost, it can be found and returned to you much more quickly. Important: Remember to always keep your contact details up to date!
Travel, rules and chip obligation
If you are planning a vacation abroad or a move, the chip is often mandatory - for example for the EU pet passport and when crossing borders. In many countries, you won't get far without a chip, so chipping is also practical for hobby adventurers. This ensures that your pet is considered to “belong to you” everywhere.
Creative extras: What else you should know
There are now apps that allow you to easily manage the chip number and important data. Also keep an eye out for free chip campaign days that vets or animal welfare organizations often offer. And remember to have a quick check at your next vet visit to make sure the chip is still in place and working properly!
Prices
Here you will find a detailed price overview.
Do you have questions?
At what age should a dog be chipped?
It's best to have your dog chipped as a puppy, usually between eight and twelve weeks of age. This is a good idea because the first vaccinations are due during this time anyway and you can take care of everything during one visit to the vet.
At what age should cats be chipped?
You can have your cat chipped from around eight weeks of age. Many vets recommend simply combining chipping with the first vaccinations or neutering.
Can I locate my cat if it is chipped?
No, you cannot locate your cat with the chip alone. The microchip placed under the skin only serves to uniquely identify your cat.
Does the chip make a dog calmer?
A normal microchip for identification has no influence on your dog's behavior. It is only used for identification purposes.
How much does dog chipping cost?
Chipping your dog normally costs between 40 and 80 euros, depending on the vet, region and chip model. This price includes the microchip itself, the insertion and the necessary documentation.
Is chipping cats painful?
Chipping is usually hardly painful for your cat. The process only takes a short moment and feels similar to a vaccination.
Is chipping a dog painful?
Chipping is not usually painful for your dog. The procedure only takes a few seconds and feels like a short prick at most.
How long does a chip last in cats?
The microchip normally lasts a lifetime and does not need to be replaced or maintained.
Is it possible to read a dog's chip with a cell phone?
No, you can't read the normal microchip with your cell phone. These chips can only be read with special readers.
Should I be able to feel my dog's microchip?
Sometimes you can actually feel your dog's microchip as a small, firm stick under the skin, usually on the left side of the neck.
What does it mean when a dog is chipped?
If your dog is chipped, it has a small microchip under its skin that can be used to identify your dog anywhere in the world.
When should a cat be microchipped?
It is best to have your cat microchipped as early as possible - this is recommended from around eight weeks of age.
Will the microchipping procedure harm my cat?
Microchipping is considered to be very safe and usually has no complications.