How Much Does Cat Microchipping Cost?

Has your curious cat ever slipped outside or gotten lost? A microchip provides permanent identification to drastically improve chances of reuniting if your feline friend goes missing. But what should cat owners reasonably budget for this simple yet vital procedure?

This guide covers typical cat microchipping costs, breaks down detailed fee structures by provider type, outlines exactly what’s included, suggests money-saving opportunities through discounts and events, and evaluates whether microchipping makes financial sense for your cat’s safety.

How Much Does Cat Microchipping Cost?

The average one-time cost to microchip a cat generally ranges from $25 to $75, with maximum costs reaching up to $100 or more when performed through emergency veterinary services or specialty clinics.

Some of the main pricing factors that influence the total fee include:

• Veterinary clinic fees – The standard vet price is $40 to $60 on average for the microchip plus basic insertion
• Animal shelter and nonprofit events – Often $25 to $40, sometimes free or discounted during special promotions
• Pet store microchip events – $25 to $50 when partnering with low-cost mobile vet clinics
• Additional services – Any anesthesia or exam fees bump costs at vet offices

For routine microchipping through your standard family veterinarian, budget approximately $40 to $75 for the total bill including the chip itself and insertion. But do watch for periodic discounts through shelters, vet offices, and clinics which can reduce the price considerably.

According to Vety, the average cost ranges from $20 to $60, with a national average of $40. Some clinics may offer microchipping for free or as part of adoption fees, while others may charge up to $100 or more if additional services like exams are included.

On Hepper, the typical cost for a microchip implant is around $45 when done at a standard veterinary facility. However, additional fees may apply for initial vet visits or other treatments, which can increase the overall cost. Hepper also notes that shelters and rescue organizations often provide microchipping at reduced rates.

According to Embrace Pet Insurance, microchipping costs average between $50 and $70, depending on the clinic and the microchip provider. They also highlight subscription-based services offered by some microchip companies, which can include features like lost-pet alerts.

The article on CareCredit states that microchipping typically costs around $45, with microchip kits themselves priced between $10 and $30. However, these kits must be implanted by a veterinarian, and combining the procedure with other services like vaccinations can help reduce costs.

Lastly, Catster reports that most cat owners pay between $25 and $50 for microchipping. Shelters and rescue groups may offer discounts or special events where microchipping costs as little as $10.

What Is Cat Microchipping

Microchipping implants a grain-sized RFID (radio frequency identification) tag under a cat’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades. This provides permanent ID readable by scanners if your pet gets lost or shelter staff find them roaming.

Unlike collars with ID tags that can get removed or lost, microchips never detach for lifelong identification. They provide peace of mind in case the unexpected happens. But what’s the investment?

Microchip Provider Type

Let’s examine common pricing at different microchip provider options:

Veterinary Clinics

Licensed veterinarians often charge their standard office visit or examination fee to cover time and services, plus pass along the microchip cost itself. Expect to pay $40 to $60 on average for microchipping a cat through your regular vet clinic. Some clinics offer first-time client discounts.

What’s included in typical vet microchipping pricing:

• Exam or consultation fees ($25-$40)
• RFID microchip ($10-$20 cost to vet)
• Chip registration in recovery database (1-2 years)
• Insertion procedure (usually very quick)
• Paperwork and medical record-keeping

Keep in mind that basic health exam services often have separate charges beyond just the microchip implantation itself through vet offices.

Animal Shelters and Rescues

Many nonprofit animal shelters and cat rescues offer microchipping services for adopted cats at relatively low cost—often priced below the rates of private vet clinics. Fees typically range from $20 to $40 to simply cover the physical microchip expenses.

And shelters sometimes run special promotional events or discounted microchipping days, offering implants for new adoptees at little to no cost when sponsored by pet brands and vendors. Expect pricing like:

• $10 to $30 at routine microchipping events
• $Free to $20 on National Adoption Weekends
• $Free and included with cat adoption packages

Just confirm the shelter utilizes an established national pet recovery database for the microchip registrations rather than a standalone database. This widens the search net if a microchipped cat becomes lost.

Mobile Clinics and Pet Retailers

Major pet retail chains like Petco, PetSmart, and Pet Supplies Plus frequently partner with low-cost mobile vet clinics to offer local microchipping events inside their stores, typically priced in the $25 to $50 range.

And stores sometimes subsidize or run promotions like “$20 Fridays” to drive traffic. Expect pricing incentives like:

• $30 microchips through Banfield vet services
• $40 upgrades to include nail trim
• Buy one get one 50% off joint promotions

These community microchipping events offer convenience and veterinary oversight at very affordable rates to get more pets protected—though appointments may book up fast when held.

Non-Profits, Community Clinics, and Rescue Groups

Some nonprofits like the ASPCA and Humane Society as well as smaller rescue groups run occasional free or highly discounted $15 to $25 microchipping events or clinics when funding permits.

And city or county animal services often microchip adopted cats for free as well. While availability varies throughout the year, this provides a zero or low-cost option for owners needing financial assistance.

You might also like our articles about the cost of microchipping at PetSmart, declawing a cat, or urinalysis for your kitty.

What Is Included

When budgeting total costs, know that the standard microchipping fee includes:

• The RFID microchip itself, which costs providers $5 to $20
• Registration in the company’s pet recovery database for at least one year
• Initial implantation procedure, which takes just seconds
• Any medical record-keeping and standard paperwork

The microchip itself is the least expensive component. You primarily pay for database access and the provider’s time.

Ongoing Registration Fees

While the microchip itself permanently stays in your cat once implanted, keeping your contact information and registration actively updated in the accompanying pet recovery database server is crucial for enabling reunification if your pet is lost or separated.

Some microchip registry companies charge ongoing annual fees to maintain your registration in their databases:

• HomeAgain – $19.99 per year
• 24PetWatch – $19.99 per year
• AKC Reunite – $20 per year

However, a number of leading registries offer lifetime registration following a small one-time setup fee:

• Found Animals Register – $17.50 one-time payment
• PetLink – Free registration for shelter adoptees
• Avid Microchip ID – $15 lifetime registration

When selecting a microchip brand, be sure to confirm whether the company charges recurring annual access fees or simply a single sign-up payment. Proper, up-to-date registry information is what ultimately facilitates successful pet-owner reunification.

Free or Low-Cost Microchipping Programs

To reduce or eliminate fees, check for:

• Free microchipping events at local animal shelters and rescues
• Lower-cost clinics through pet stores like Petco and PetSmart
• Free chips when adopting cats from some shelters or rescues
• Non-profit mobile clinic events in low-income areas
• First-time customer deals through participating veterinary offices

While not guaranteed year-round, occasional sponsored events provide huge savings if you time it right. Follow local shelters on social media for announcements.

Is Microchipping Worth the Upfront Cost?

Given that a microchip lasts your cat’s entire lifetime and greatly boosts reunification odds if lost, the $25 to $75 one-time fee is a wise investment for most owners.

Pet recovery company HomeAgain estimates over 10 million pets are reunited with owners annually thanks to microchips. That peace of mind is invaluable.

Some statistics on microchip effectiveness:

• Over 90% of stray cats without microchips remain unclaimed or unidentified
• Cats with microchips are reunited with their owners 38% of the time thanks to scanner checks

Unless cost is highly prohibitive, microchipping realistically provides one of the most cost-effective lifelong safety nets imaginable to protect your beloved feline family member for less than $100 total over a decade+ lifespan.

What Does the Microchipping Procedure Involve?

The quick implantation process involves:

1. A veterinarian or technician scanning for any existing microchip.
2. Inserting the chip needle containing the microchip between your cat’s shoulder blades.
3. Confirming the microchip ID number is readable after implant.

The microchip insertion only takes a few seconds and most cats tolerate it extremely well with minimal discomfort. It does not require full anesthesia or surgery.

Some temporary soreness may occur. Ensure your cat’s registration info is accurate before leaving the clinic.

Are There Laws Requiring Cat Microchips?

In some regions, microchipping is mandatory by law for all owned cats:

• United Kingdom – Cats must be microchipped by 12 weeks old
• Australia – Mandatory cat microchipping nationwide
• Hawaii, USA – Requires RFID chips plus tags on Oahu

Check your local laws and pending legislation. Vets can also clarify microchipping regulations that may apply in your area.

Final Words

The one-time cost to microchip a cat is very reasonable, with prices averaging just $25 to $75 depending on your vet clinic and geographic region. When considering the permanent safety reassurance and massively increased odds of reunification with a lost cat, microchipping offers an immense cost-benefit ratio for a single upfront payment.

Schedule an appointment with your vet whenever convenient or keep an eye out for discounted promotional events at shelters and clinics to get this minimal-pain protection procedure handled before an emergency arises. Microchipping truly provides invaluable peace of mind for under $100—case closed! Your beloved feline family member deserves that lifetime of security.

Answers to Common Questions

What are the new rules for microchips in cats?

The new ISO 11784/11785 international standard mandates microchips use radio frequencies between 123-125 kHz, allowing universal scanners to read any brand. Many companies meet this spec, but check yours complies.

How to change ownership of a microchipped cat?

Login to your microchip registry account online and update your address, phone number, and personal contact info as needed to stay current. You can also transfer ownership to a new owner through your account dashboard.

How long do cat microchips last?

RFID microchips are biocompatible glass enclosures that reliably last the entire lifespan of a cat once implanted, with no need to replace. The microchips themselves do not contain batteries or electronics that degrade. As long as your registration is kept current, the chip never expires.