May is Chip Your Pet Month, a nationwide campaign to raise awareness about the importance of microchipping pets. At Dogtopia of Fort Myers, your dog’s safety is our top priority—and that includes making sure every pup has the best chance of being reunited with their family if they ever go missing.

A microchip is a small investment that can make a huge difference in bringing lost pets home. Let’s break down how it works and why it’s one of the most important steps you can take for your dog’s safety.

What Is a Pet Microchip?

A microchip is a tiny electronic chip (about the size of a grain of rice) that’s implanted just under your pet’s skin, typically between the shoulder blades. Each chip contains a unique ID number that is registered with your contact information in a national database.

If your pet is found and taken to a shelter or veterinary clinic, a quick scan can reveal the chip’s ID number, which helps locate you and bring your furry friend home safely.

Why Microchipping Matters

Even the most well-behaved pets can slip through a gate, bolt during fireworks, or get spooked in unfamiliar surroundings. Collars and tags can fall off or become unreadable—but a microchip is permanent, tamper-proof, and always working in the background.

The statistics speak volumes:

  • One in three pets will go missing at some point in their lifetime

  • Microchipped dogs are over twice as likely to be returned to their owners

  • For cats, the return-to-owner rate is even 20 times higher with a microchip

How the Microchipping Process Works

The procedure is simple, safe, and quick—like a routine vaccination. Your veterinarian uses a syringe to insert the chip just under the skin. No surgery or anesthesia is required.

Once implanted, your job isn’t done! Make sure to:

  • Register the microchip with your up-to-date contact information

  • Keep your info current if you move or change phone numbers

  • Ask your vet to scan the chip during annual visits to confirm it’s working

What Microchipping Doesn’t Do

It’s important to know that a microchip is not a GPS tracker. It doesn’t show your pet’s location in real-time. Instead, it stores your contact info so shelters and vets can contact you if your pet is found.

How Dogtopia of Fort Myers Supports Pet Safety

At Dogtopia of Fort Myers, we encourage every pet parent to talk to their vet about microchipping. While we offer a secure indoor environment for play and care, we know unexpected situations can happen anywhere. A microchip is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your pet—and your peace of mind.

Bonus Tips for a Safe Pup

  • Keep ID tags on your pet with your phone number and city
  • Secure gates, fences, and doors to prevent accidental escapes
  • Update your microchip info every time it changes

Ask Your Vet About Microchipping Today

If your pet isn’t microchipped—or you’re unsure if their info is up to date—schedule a visit with your veterinarian. Microchipping is quick, affordable, and gives your pet the best chance of making it back to you in the event of separation.

Let’s use Chip Your Pet Month to raise awareness and help every pet find their way home.