Microchipping

At the Clinique Vétérinaire Plateau Mont-Royal, we are pleased to offer a microchipping service, which we consider essential to the safety and well-being of your four-legged companion. Microchipping is a reliable and effective way to protect your pet as it provides a unique identifier. 

What is microchipping for pets?

Microchipping is an electronic identification method that consists of inserting a tiny electronic chip—about the size of a grain of rice—under your pet’s skin. This microchip contains a unique ID number, which is registered on a secure database.

How does microchipping work?

If an animal gets lost and is then found, a shelter, vet clinic or animal control service can use a scanner to read the microchip. The unique ID number is then used to access the owner’s contact information in the database, and the pet can be quickly reunited with their family. It is important to note that the microchip does not work the same way as a GPS—in other words, it cannot be used to locate an animal, but rather to identify the animal once it has been found. 

Will microchipping hurt my pet?

No, microchipping is a simple, painless procedure. The microchip is inserted under the animal’s skin using a specially designed syringe. Most animals tolerate this procedure very well and only feel a slight pinch when the microchip is inserted. It is also possible to have your pet microchipped while under sedation for another procedure, such as spaying or neutering. You can then rest assured that your pet will not feel a thing. 

Is microchipping mandatory?

As of January 1, 2020, microchipping is mandatory for all pets over six months of age whose owners live in the city of Montréal. In certain other jurisdictions, microchipping may not be required by law, but it is still strongly recommended. Many animal protection organizations and shelters require all pets to be microchipped as a safety measure when they are adopted.