Microchips are very important in the recovery of a lost pet. A microchip is a small passive, integrated transponder that is about the size of a grain of rice (12mm) and is injected into pets underneath the skin. The microchip does not use batteries but is energized by an electromagnetic field produced by a microchip scanner. The microchip is permanent and will last the life of the pet. Each microchip has a unique identification number that is encoded and locked into its integrated circuit. When the pet is registered in a pet recovery database, this identification number links the pet to the owner’s contact information. Implanting a microchip not does require anesthesia and can be done while you wait.