Okay, before we get started, some good news...

You may have heard about Lilly, the cat who went missing more than two years ago.

Her person, Alexis, did everything. Searched the neighborhood, posted flyers, asked everyone. But Lilly had vanished. No sign. No leads. Just… gone.

We assumed the worst.

But then, out of nowhere, Alexis got a call from a vet clinic.

Someone had brought in a stray, and when they scanned for a chip — it was Lilly!

Two years later.

She’s a little rough around the edges, but she’s okay. And today she’s home.

What can we all learn from this? If your pet isn’t microchipped, it’s time. That one little detail can make all the difference.

Why microchipping your pet matters

After hearing about Lilly’s return, it’s hard not to think about how much a tiny chip can change everything. For pets who get lost, proper identification can be their ticket home.

What is a microchip for dogs and cats?

A microchip is a small device, about the size of a grain of rice, that’s placed just under your pet’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades. It’s done with a needle, like a routine shot, and it only takes a moment.

Each microchip carries a unique ID number. When a lost pet is found, a vet or shelter can scan the chip, pull up the number, and contact the owner, as long as the registration info is up to date.

Are microchips worth it?

Collars and tags are still important, but they’re not foolproof. Pets slip collars. Tags fall off. A microchip stays with your pet for life.

Some key benefits:

• It’s permanent and can’t be removed or lost.
• It’s a low-pain, low-maintenance procedure.
• It won’t wear out or run out of battery.
• It’s especially helpful for pets who don’t wear collars or tend to escape.

The AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) recommends microchipping as part of a layered approach to pet identification. That means: yes to a chip, and yes to visible ID tags too. Both play a role in getting lost pets home safely.

How microchips work in dogs and cats

Microchips don’t use GPS or batteries. Instead, they contain tiny components, an antenna and a capacitor, sealed in a safe, pet-friendly material. When a scanner passes over the chip, it activates a radio signal that sends the pet’s ID number to the screen.

That number links to a registration database, so again, keeping your contact info current is everything.

In the U.S., microchips vary by manufacturer and frequency. Some are ISO-compliant (15-digit codes), while others use 9- or 10-digit codes. Most vets and shelters have universal scanners that can detect both.

Microchip registration is critical

This part’s big: A microchip doesn’t do much if it’s not registered.

Be sure to:

• Register your pet’s chip with the manufacturer or your vet’s registry
• Keep your contact info current (especially if you move or change numbers)
• Ask your vet to scan the chip during checkups, just to make sure it’s working