Microchipping
Every year, LA Animal Services shelters see a spike in lost pets during the 4th of July, which makes the days that follow the busiest times for City shelters. The booming sounds and flashing lights of fireworks frighten pets, causing them to escape their homes and end up in our shelters. To help ensure lost pets are reunited with their families, LA City residents can have their pets microchipped for free (while supplies last) at any of the six LA City shelters, thanks to our friends at Michelson Found Animals. No appointment needed to microchip your pet. Please note: For pet owners residing outside the City of Los Angeles who would like to microchip their pet, the cost is $15.
Did you know?
1 in 3 family pets will get lost
6 out of 10 microchips are registered
Microchipped dogs are more likely to be returned to their owners.
Microchipped cats are 20 times as likely to be returned to their owners.
When a microchipped pet isn't returned home, it's usually due to incorrect or missing owner info in the microchip registry
In 2024, LA Animal Services reunited 3,451 pets with their families
Microchips don't replace a tag and collar, but they can make all the difference when it comes to getting your pet back home to you.
A microchip, the size of a grain of rice, is injected under the animal’s skin between the shoulder blades. Each chip has a unique number that is registered with a national database along with the pet owner’s address and phone number. The microchip can be read by scanners that are currently used by most animal organizations and veterinary clinics. Microchips keep people and pets together!
Despite your best efforts, your dog or cat may slip out an open door or gate and disappear. We recommend a collar and identification tag, but know that they often fall off. If you microchip your pet too, the odds are much better that you’ll get your best friend back!
All animals admitted to an L.A. Animal Services Shelter are scanned for a microchip. If a microchip is found, a nine digit number will appear and we will contact the microchip manufacturer. After a quick search of the pet database, the animal’s guardian can be contacted.
All cats, dogs, and rabbits adopted from an L.A. Animal Services will have a microchip. The cost of microchipping is included in the adoption fee.
If you move, it is very important to change your address with the microchip company in case your pet gets lost.
Visit any of our six LA Animal Services shelters to have your companion animal microchipped.
