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How Much Does Microchipping a Dog at PetSmart Cost? (2026 Update)
We all want our furry friends to be safe. That’s why we do everything from taking them to the vet for vaccinations to feeding them only the best quality food from the time they are puppies. However, many pet parents don’t realize the importance of microchipping their dog or even the best place to get it done.
If you’ve ever wondered what the importance of microchipping your dog is, where to get it done, and even what the prices might be, we have you covered.
The Importance of Microchipping Your Dog
At last count, it was estimated that over 10 million pets are lost every year. That’s too many pets on the streets. If you’ve been a dog parent for a long time, you already know that dogs are curious creatures likely to wander off at any moment.
Having your dog microchipped is your best chance of getting your furry friend back safe and sound. Escaping your property opens the door to the dog being lost forever, injured, or even killed by a car. Make sure to microchip your doggie friend for its safety and your peace of mind.
Does PetSmart Microchip Dogs?
While you can’t walk into your local PetSmart and have your dog microchipped, the store has a service called Banfield Pet Clinics, which you can have your pet microchipped through. It is dedicated to providing microchips to pet parents at an affordable cost to help them keep their canine pals safe from harm.
The only drawback of using the service is finding a location close to you. However, several clinics offer affordable microchipping if you can’t drive to a Banfield clinic.
How Much Does Professional Microchipping a Dog at PetSmart Cost?
As with any service, the cost of microchipping will vary from location to location. On average, the cost to microchip your dog through PetSmart will run anywhere from $20 to $50, depending on the location.
The price is also determined by the type of chips used; in reality, you might get the microchipping done cheaper through your local vet’s office. It’s best to call around and see which is cheaper before making a final decision.
However, the advantage of going through PetSmart is that they often have extended hours, so you can take your dog in when your schedule allows, unlike the vet’s office, which typically closes around five in the evening. Also, the clinics associated with PetSmart are staffed with qualified professionals, so you know your dog is in good hands. There’s usually a fee with the microchipping company for keeping the tracking device active, but that’s usually an annual fee and can differ by company.
How Does Microchipping a Dog Work?
Microchipping your dog through the PetSmart service is the same as going through your local vet or any other place that offers microchipping. The chip is a permanent form of identification that a special device can scan should your dog get lost.
Is Microchipping Painful for Your Dog?
There’s no way to guarantee that your dog won’t feel any pain at all during the procedure, but it has been said that inserting the chip is pretty painless. The process only takes a few seconds, and most canines only feel discomfort when the chip is installed. After the chip is inserted, your dog shouldn’t even know it's there, so you don’t have to worry about your pet pawing or biting at the chip trying to remove it.
If you’re worried about the procedure, the veterinarian who handles the microchipping can answer any of your questions and concerns.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Microchipping?
This question is a tough one to answer. Microchipping is a routine procedure, and most pet insurance plans don’t cover routine procedures. However, it’s worth checking with your provider to see if they do because it’s possible. The procedure isn’t that expensive, and most pet parents pay for it out of pocket.
What to Do After Your Dog’s Microchipping
Once the procedure is completed, you should be able to take your dog home. You will want to keep it from jumping and running for the first couple of hours due to the mild sedation. The only tasks you need to complete for recovery are to love your dog, have patience, and be thankful that now you’ll be able to keep track of your pet if it escapes.
Conclusion
Microchipping is an invaluable tool that has helped return several pets to their forever homes. While the price at PetSmart varies by location, it’s a good idea to have your dog microchipped to keep it safe. It’s a relatively painless procedure, and your pet can go home and relax when it’s finished.
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Featured Image By: Pixel-Shot, Shutterstock
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Patricia is a pet and coffee writer and a published author under the pen name Skylar McKinzie. When she isn’t writing, Patricia enjoys spending time with her two cats and dog. Since she was a young child, she has been a pet lover and enjoys nothing more than cuddling with her pets, Mystery, and her two cats, Binx and Link. Mystery has been with her family since the day she was born, as has Link. Binx was found under the house as a kitten, taken inside, and has been a part of the family ever since. Patricia loves sharing her knowledge of animals and finds joy in helping out at the local rescue shelter whenever she can.
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