The simple one-time procedure to install a microchip will prove to be highly beneficial in case your pet gets lost.
A microchip is the size of a grain of rice that contains a unique identification number linking you and your pet. Inserting the microchip under your pet's skin is quick, sterile and no more painful than a routine vaccination.
Animals can be taken to Animal Services or to most veterinarian offices to check and see if a pet has a microchip.
Microchips are especially helpful when a pet's tag is worn and illegible, and for cats clever enough to remove their collar.
Bring your pet into the Wellness Clinic at the Pet Adoption and Protection Center to have the microchip inserted as appointments are not necessary.
Related FAQs
You can get a microchip implant for your dog or cat in the Pet Adoption and Protection Center’s Wellness Clinic by making an appointment.
A microchip with basic pet owner contact registration information costs $15 and includes:
Pet owner’s name and address
Up to two contact telephone numbers
Email address
A microchip with expanded pet owner registration information costs $19.50 and includes:
Pet owner's name
Address
Up to two contact telephone numbers
Email address
Emergency contact
Veterinarian contact
Pets must be a minimum of eight weeks old in order to receive a microchip implant.
Or
You can ask your private veterinarian to insert a microchip.
NOTE: As of 9-9-2021, free microchips will be provided for pets receiving any service at ASD Doral, Homestead Clinic or WOW Mobile Clinic.
The microchip is not a GPS device and cannot track your pet if it gets lost. Your pet’s microchip does not store full contact information; it stores a number that connects to your contact information on the microchip registry.
How to check to see if a dog or cat has an active microchip:
You can take your dog or cat to be scanned for a microchip ID number at any veterinary office or at the Wellness Clinic at the Animal Services Pet Adoption and Protection Center.
Microchips implanted at the Wellness Clinic will be either HomeAgain or Avid brand microchips.
If you have a record of the microchip ID number, visit the microchip brand’s online registry.
If you have the ID number but do not know the brand microchip company, you can enter the ID number into the American Animal Hospital Association’s universal registry.
Update your pet’s microchip contact details online by visiting the pet microchip registry your pet is enrolled with. If your pet received a microchip at Miami-Dade Animal Services they have either HomeAgain or Avid brand microchips.
To update the contact information on the HomeAgain Microchip registry:
If your results say “This pet is enrolled in Limited Services” click on Create Online Account to add your current contact information including your email and a password to create an online account. You can also add a photo of your pet.
If your results show the microchip is already registered/enrolled, you can add or update information, under Manage Pet Profile.
You can also call HomeAgain at 1-888-466-3242
To update the contact information online on the Avid Microchip registry:
Follow the website’s instructions to update your account.
You can also call Avid toll free at 1-800-336-2843 and a pet recovery specialist will assist you
If you don’t have the microchip number, contact your veterinarian or request the information in person at Miami-Dade Pet Adoption and Protection Center's Wellness Clinic.
You are now leaving the official website of Miami-Dade County government. Please be
aware that when you exit this site, you are no longer protected by our privacy or
security policies. Miami-Dade County is not responsible for the content provided on
linked sites. The provision of links to these external sites does not constitute an
endorsement.
Please click 'OK' to be sent to the new site, or Click 'Cancel' to go back.