Does Petco Microchip Dogs and Cats in 2024? A Detailed Guide

Petco offers microchipping services for both dogs and cats at over 1,350 pet hospitals located inside stores across the U.S. But how exactly does the process work, and is Petco the best choice for your pet? This detailed guide provides key information all pet owners should know.

How Pet Microchipping Works at Petco

Petco uses pre-loaded syringe microchips and scanners from 24PetWatch. The microchip itself is a tiny, cylindrical glass capsule containing a unique ID number that can be detected using special scanners.

The microchip is implanted under the pet‘s skin with a needle injection similar to a vaccine shot. Petco vets and technicians are specially trained on the quick, easy procedure:

• The microchip is inserted through a large bore needle into the loose skin between the pet‘s shoulder blades.
• The process takes only seconds and is no more painful than a regular shot for pets.
• No anesthetic, sedation, or surgical incision is required.
• The chip rests in subcutaneous tissue. As the pet moves, the microchip stays in place.
• The chip is coated in a bio-polymer which aids tissue bonding. Within 24 hours, fibrous tissue forms around the chip.

Petco follows AAHA guidelines for microchip placement and disinfection to prevent any infection risk. They also confirm the chip is working by scanning immediately after implantation.

What to Expect For Recovery and Aftercare

Most pets show no signs of discomfort after the injection and resume normal activity immediately. There is no required aftercare. Rarely, a pet may have swelling or irritation at the injection site which resolves within a few days.

Signs of trouble like persistent pain, swelling, or discharge should prompt a recheck with the vet. But serious complications are very uncommon. Out of millions of microchipped pets, studies show complication rates are less than 1.3%.

Microchipping Prices at Petco vs. Competitors

Petco charges $28 to implant microchips, including registration with 24Petwatch, across all locations nationwide. This is on the affordable end compared to other major pet retailers:

Petco offers microchipping during wellness exam visits for no additional fee. They regularly run promotions taking $10-15 off the microchip fee as well.

Independent low-cost clinics sometimes charge $20-25 for microchipping events. But Petco provides the convenience of experienced in-house vets.

Effectiveness of Petco‘s 24PetWatch Microchips

Petco‘s 24PetWatch chips boast a 99.9% scanning effectiveness rate. The 24PetWatch database has helped reunite over 10 million lost pets since 1995.

Multiple studies, including this 2022 AVMA review, confirm 92-93% of stray pets with registered microchips are successfully returned to owners. For dogs with active registrations, the return rate is even higher at around 98%.

So choosing a microchip brand with extensive shelter/vet coverage like 24PetWatch is key. Petco does not provide permanent registration, but owners can transfer chips to other companies later if desired.

Finding Petco Locations Offering Microchips

Petco only implants microchips at the 1,350+ full-service veterinary hospitals located inside many stores. Use their clinic finder tool and call ahead about availability before visiting.

To reduce wait times, booking microchip appointments online is best when available at that location. But walk-ins are also welcome if shots clinics are being held that day.

Should You Get Your Pet Microchipped at Petco?

For pet owners seeking an affordable, convenient microchipping option, Petco is a great choice. Key benefits of using their vet services include:

• Low $28 cost with routine promotions available
• Quick, easy implant procedure done by experienced vets
• Large vet network provides accessibility nationwide
• Reputable 24PetWatch chip ensures peace of mind

Just be sure to keep your contact information current with 24PetWatch. And consider registering with an additional database like Found Animals for extra lost pet coverage.

With proper owner diligence about registration, Petco‘s microchips provide a safe, effective way to get permanent ID for your beloved pets. Giving lost dogs and cats the best chance at getting back home again.