Microchipping
LA City residents can have their pets microchipped at any of the six LA Animal Services Centers. There is no appointment needed. The cost to microchip your pet 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.
Get Your Pet Microchipped at any LA Animal Services Center
If your pet needs a microchip, visit any of our six LA Animal Services Centers to have your furry friend microchipped. The cost is $15. No appointment needed.
How to Check and Update Your Pet’s Microchip Number
Find your pet's microchip number:
- If you don’t have your pet’s microchip number, bring your pet to your veterinarian or to your nearest animal shelter to get their chip scanned.
- Type in your pet’s microchip number by going to the Microchip Registry Lookup or Pet Microchip Lookup & Search Tool.
- If your pet’s chip is up-to-date, you’re good to go!
How to update your contact info on your pet’s microchip:
- Contact your microchip provider (their information will be provided to you by the microchip search engine) and provide your updated information. Hint: When providing a phone number, we recommend using your mobile number, as most people don’t change their mobile numbers, even when they move).
- Keep the information safe in your iCloud along with other important pet-related info (vaccination records, license info, etc.)
