Pet Microchipping in Copake Falls, NY
Collars break. Tags fall off. But a microchip lasts a lifetime. At Copake Veterinary Hospital in Copake Falls, NY , we offer quick, safe, and affordable microchipping services for dogs and cats. A microchip is the single most effective form of permanent pet identification — and it could mean the difference between a lost pet and a lost pet that comes home. We recommend microchipping for all pets, at any age.
request an appointmentWhat Is a Pet Microchip?
A microchip is a tiny electronic device — roughly the size of a grain of rice — that is implanted just beneath the surface of your pet’s skin, typically between the shoulder blades. Each chip contains a unique identification number that is linked to your contact information in a national pet recovery database. When a lost pet is brought to a veterinary clinic or animal shelter, staff use a universal scanner to read the chip and retrieve the owner’s contact information within seconds.
Microchips are passive devices — they contain no battery, produce no signal, and require no maintenance. Once implanted, they last for the life of your pet with no upkeep required.
The Microchipping Procedure
Microchipping at Copake Veterinary Hospital is a quick, minimally invasive procedure that can be performed during any routine visit, including a wellness exam or vaccination appointment. The chip is delivered via a sterile needle in a single injection — no incision, no sedation, and no downtime. Most pets react no more than they would to a routine vaccine. The entire procedure takes less than a minute.
After implantation, we register your pet’s chip number with your contact information in the appropriate national registry and provide you with a registration certificate for your records. We strongly encourage all pet owners to also register the chip directly with the database and keep contact information current — especially after a move, change of phone number, or change of ownership.
Why Every Pet Should Be Microchipped
Even pets that live entirely indoors can escape. During natural disasters, house fires, or unexpected open doors and gates, even the most cautious pet owners can find themselves with a missing animal. Studies consistently show that microchipped pets are reunited with their owners at significantly higher rates than those without chips.
Microchipping is also required for most international travel and strongly recommended for any pet that participates in boarding, grooming, dog parks, or other social settings. For pets undergoing surgery or spay/neuter procedures, we can conveniently implant the microchip at the same time while your pet is under anesthesia.
If your pet is not yet microchipped, call Copake Veterinary Hospital at (518) 329-6161 or request an appointment online today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Microchipping
Does Copake Veterinary Hospital offer microchipping?
Yes. We offer microchipping for dogs and cats at Copake Veterinary Hospital in Copake Falls, NY . The procedure is quick, safe, and can be performed during any routine visit. Call us at (518) 329-6161 or request an appointment online to schedule.
Does microchipping hurt my pet?
The procedure is very well tolerated by most pets. The chip is injected using a sterile needle in a single motion — similar to a routine vaccine. Most pets show little to no reaction. No sedation or anesthesia is required, and there is no recovery period.
Is microchipping the same as GPS tracking?
No. A microchip is not a GPS device and does not track your pet’s location in real time. It is a passive identification tool that stores a unique ID number linked to your contact information. The chip can only be read by a scanner at a veterinary clinic or shelter. For real-time location tracking, separate GPS collar devices are available as an added layer of safety.
What database is my pet’s microchip registered in?
At Copake Veterinary Hospital, we register chips with appropriate national databases and provide you with registration documentation. We encourage all pet owners to also register directly with the database to ensure your contact information is up to date. If you move or change your phone number, updating your registration is critical.
Can a microchip fall out or move?
Microchips are designed to remain in place permanently. In rare cases, a chip may migrate slightly from the original implant site, but this does not affect its function — it can still be read by a scanner. We verify chip placement and function as part of the implantation process.
At what age can my pet be microchipped?
Microchipping can be done at any age. We frequently chip puppies and kittens during their first few visits. For pets undergoing spay or neuter surgery, chipping at the time of the procedure is a convenient option that avoids an extra needle stick.
What should I do if I find a lost pet?
Take the pet to the nearest veterinary clinic or animal shelter where they can scan for a microchip. If a chip is found, the owner’s contact information can be retrieved from the national registry database. If you have lost your own pet, contact local shelters and veterinary clinics immediately and report the chip number if your pet was microchipped.