As a pet owner, one of your responsibilities is to ensure the safety of your furry friend. Microchipping your pet is an effective way to increase the chances of being reunited with them in case they get lost. Banfield, a popular pet hospital chain, partners with HomeAgain, a leading microchip company, to offer this service to their clients. So, how much does microchipping cost at Banfield? Let’s dive in.
At Banfield Pet Hospital, the cost of microchipping starts at $39.99. However, the actual cost may be higher depending on where you live, the type of pet you have, and whether you have a Banfield Optimum Wellness Plan.
If you have a Banfield Optimum Wellness Plan, the cost of microchipping may be included in your plan. Banfield offers several different wellness plans, including the Active Prevention, Early Care, and Optimum Wellness plans, all of which provide different levels of coverage for preventative care services like microchipping.
Is Banfield’s Optimum Wellness Plan Worth It?
Whether or not Banfield’s Optimum Wellness Plan is worth it for you and your pet depends on your individual needs and budget. The Optimum Wellness Plan includes a range of preventative care services, including unlimited office visits, vaccinations, and parasite control, as well as discounts on other services and products.
If you have a young, healthy pet who requires regular preventative care, a Banfield Optimum Wellness Plan may be a good investment. However, if your pet has pre-existing conditions or requires more specialized care, you may want to consider other options.
Does Banfield’s Wellness Plan Cover Emergencies?
Banfield’s Optimum Wellness Plan does not cover emergencies or specialty care. However, Banfield does offer an optional add-on called the Active Care Plus program, which provides additional coverage for emergency and specialty care services.
FAQs about microchipping cost at Banfield
We’ll be answering some frequently asked questions about microchipping at Banfield.
Is microchipping a one-time cost or will there be additional fees?
The cost of microchipping at Banfield is a one-time fee. There are no additional charges or subscription fees. Once you’ve paid for the microchip, it is yours for life.
What is included in the microchipping package at Banfield?
The microchipping package at Banfield includes the microchip implantation, registration, and a lifetime of support. You will also receive a personalized ID tag for your pet’s collar and a one-year membership to HomeAgain, a pet recovery service.
Can I get a discount on microchipping if I am a Banfield Optimum Wellness Plan member?
Yes, Banfield Optimum Wellness Plan members receive a discount on microchipping services. The exact amount of the discount will depend on your location, but it is usually around 15%.
Is microchipping safe for my pet?
Yes, microchipping is safe for your pet. The microchip is a small implant that is inserted under the skin, usually between the shoulder blades. The procedure is quick, painless, and does not require anesthesia. Once the microchip is in place, your pet won’t even notice it’s there.
Is microchipping required by law?
Microchipping is not required by law, but it is highly recommended by veterinarians and animal welfare organizations. Many cities and municipalities require pets to be microchipped before they can be licensed. Microchipping your pet is also a great way to ensure that they are returned to you if they ever get lost.
What information is stored on the microchip?
The microchip contains a unique identification number that is linked to your pet’s information in a national pet recovery database. This information can include your name, address, phone number, and any other relevant contact information.
How does microchipping help with pet recovery?
If your pet gets lost and is found by someone else, a veterinarian or animal shelter can use a special scanner to read the microchip’s identification number. They can then use that number to access the pet recovery database and contact you to reunite you with your pet.
Do I need to update my pet’s microchip information if I move or change my phone number?
Yes, it is important to keep your pet’s microchip information up-to-date. If you move or change your phone number, be sure to contact the microchip registration company and update your information in the database. This will ensure that you can be reached if your pet is found.
While it is technically possible to microchip your pet at home, it is not recommended. Microchipping should only be done by a licensed veterinarian or trained professional to ensure that the procedure is done correctly and safely. Attempting to microchip your pet at home could result in injury or infection.
Is there anything I need to do to prepare my pet for microchipping?
No, there is no special preparation needed for microchipping. The procedure is quick and painless, and your pet will not require any special care or attention afterward.
Can microchips be removed or fall out?
Microchips are designed to stay in place for the life of your pet. It is very rare for a microchip to be removed or fall out, but if it does happen, the pet recovery database can still be accessed using the identification number printed on the collar tag.
What happens during the microchipping procedure?
The microchipping procedure is quick and painless. A veterinarian or trained professional will insert the microchip under your pet’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades, using a sterile needle. The microchip is about the size of a grain of rice, and your pet will hardly notice it’s there.
Is microchipping uncomfortable for my pet?
No, microchipping is not uncomfortable for your pet. The procedure is quick and painless, and most pets don’t even react when the microchip is inserted. Some pets may feel a slight pinch or pressure, but this is very minimal and should not cause any lasting discomfort.
How long does it take for the microchip to start working?
The microchip starts working as soon as it is implanted in your pet. However, it is important to register the microchip and update your pet’s information in the pet recovery database as soon as possible to ensure that you can be contacted if your pet is lost.
Can microchips cause cancer or other health problems?
There is no evidence to suggest that microchips cause cancer or other health problems in pets. The microchip is made of biocompatible materials that are safe for your pet’s body, and the implantation procedure is quick and minimally invasive.
How do I know if my pet’s microchip is still working?
You can ask your veterinarian to scan your pet’s microchip during a routine check-up to ensure that it is still functioning properly. It is also important to update your pet’s information in the pet recovery database periodically to ensure that the contact information is up-to-date.
Microchipping can be done on most types of pets, including dogs, cats, rabbits, and ferrets. However, it is important to check with your veterinarian to determine if microchipping is appropriate for your pet.
How much does microchipping cost at Banfield?
The cost of microchipping at Banfield varies depending on location and any promotions that may be available. On average, the cost is between $50 and $70. However, this cost is a one-time fee that ensures your pet’s safety and increases the chances of being reunited with them if they ever get lost.
Is microchipping a one-time fee, or do I need to pay a yearly subscription?
Microchipping is a one-time fee. Once your pet is microchipped, the information is stored in a national pet recovery database for the life of your pet. However, it is important to update your pet’s information in the database if you move or change your phone number to ensure that you can be contacted if your pet is lost.
What if my pet already has a microchip from a different company?
If your pet already has a microchip from a different company, it is still important to update your information in the pet recovery database to ensure that your contact information is up-to-date. Banfield can also provide you with a free collar tag that includes the microchip number and contact information for the pet recovery database.
Can microchips be read by any type of scanner?
Most microchips can be read by any type of scanner, regardless of the brand or manufacturer. However, it is important to check with your veterinarian or local animal control to ensure that their scanners are compatible with the microchip brand and type that your pet has.
Is microchipping a replacement for traditional forms of identification, such as collars and tags?
Microchipping should not replace traditional forms of identification, such as collars and tags. These forms of identification can provide immediate information about your pet’s owner and location, while a microchip requires a scanner and access to the pet recovery database to obtain this information. By using both forms of identification, you can ensure that your pet has the best chance of being reunited with you if they ever get lost.
Hannah Elizabeth is an English animal behavior author, having written for several online publications. With a degree in Animal Behaviour and over a decade of practical animal husbandry experience, Hannah's articles cover everything from pet care to wildlife conservation. When she isn't creating content for blog posts, Hannah enjoys long walks with her Rottweiler cross Senna, reading fantasy novels and breeding aquarium shrimp.
