Microchipping Your Pets: Where Can You Get It For Free in the Philippines?

(SPOT.ph) While most people in the Philippines are more than aware of the benefits to prevent rabies and neuter/spay pets, there is one initiative that is relatively slow to gain ground. Most pet owners have not signed up for, let alone know the existence of microchipping.

Unlike in some countries, the Philippines does not legally require pet owners to microchip pets. However, it's still technology that shouldn’t be overlooked for those who want to take extra precautions and have that peace of mind. Responsible pet ownership is more than deworming and desexing—it’s microchipping, too.

Also read: 10 Animal Shelters and Organizations Where You Can Adopt, Not Shop

What is microchipping?

Microchipping is the process of implanting a small, electronic RFID chip under the loose skin of a pet, usually between the shoulder blades. The chip contains a unique identification number that can be read with a scanner. 

The microchip is about the size of a grain, so the implantation process is similar to a normal vaccination. It's almost painless for pets so there's no need for anesthesia. Once implanted, the microchip is permanent (unless removed through surgery).

Only healthy pets that are three months and above are allowed to get microchipped, as well as those in heat or have recently given birth. On the other hand, pets who are pregnant, vomiting, or experiencing loose bowel movement will have to wait to feel better before they get the implant.

What are the benefits to microchipping pets?

Microchipping can identify your pet in worst case scenarios. When a lost pet is found, animal shelters, veterinarians, and other animal welfare organizations can scan the pet's microchip to retrieve your contact information. 

Registering to a local database will usually require information like:

• Full name
• Mobile number
• Complete address
• Pet's name and breed
• Pet's birthday
• Pet's veterinarian
• Pet's vaccination record

Unlike collars or tags, microchips cannot be easily removed, which is great for a pet owner's peace of mind.

Do take note that a microchip is not a GPS, so it will not provide real-time location tracking. In addition, there's no guarantee that having a pet microchipped will ensure its return to you considering that the practice of implanting and scanning microchips is not widely enforced in the Philippines.

Microchipping might come in handy should you need to bring your pet out of the country. Territories like several U.S. states, United Kingdom, Singapore, and more require dogs and cats to be microchipped. 

Where to microchip pets in the Philippines?

One of microchipping’s biggest cons is the cost, especially if you have multiple pets. In the Philippines, private vet clinics will charge from P750 to P1,500 on microchip implantation services. You also have to be picky when it comes to choosing a place: it’s important to make sure that the microchip they use is ISO compliant so that it will be recognized by animal welfare organizations and veterinary clinics.

With that said, it's good to know that a few government units in Metro Manila and beyond sometimes offer free pet microchipping to the public. This service is usually complementary to the more common anti-rabies vaccination and neuter/spay programs in place.

Quezon City, Pasig City, and Davao City are some of the few that are regularly providing pet microchipping services to its residents.

You can check out the Pasig City Veterinary Services Department and the Quezon City Veterinary Department Facebook pages for weekly schedules on which barangays can benefit from the microchipping program, usually until supplies last. Meanwhile, Davaoeños can call 241-1000 Local 351/349 for more information.

In the past, Makati City, Cebu City, and Valenzuela City have also offered free microchipping programs.

Also read: The SPOT.ph Guide to Pets on Public Transport