How Much Does Pet Microchipping Cost in California?
California pricing is above the national average. Updated for 2026.
Pet Microchipping Pricing in California
In California, the average cost for pet microchipping is $61 per pet, which is 35% higher than the national average of $45. Most California residents pay between $34 and $101.
California has a higher cost of living than most states, which translates to higher labor rates and material costs. Urban areas within California may be even higher.
Pet microchipping implants a tiny RFID chip (about the size of a grain of rice) under your pet's skin between the shoulder blades. When scanned by a shelter or vet, the chip displays a unique ID number linked to your contact information in a pet recovery database.
California vs National Average
What Affects Pet Microchipping Cost in California?
Location
Shelter event: $10-$25. Petco/PetSmart clinic: $15-$30. Vet office: $35-$75. With other procedure: $15-$25 add-on
Registration
Basic lifetime registration: free-$20. Premium (with alerts, vet records): $20-$100/year or one-time
Pet Type
Dogs and cats: standard price. Horses, birds, exotics: may be slightly more at specialty vets
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💡 Tips to Save on Pet Microchipping in California
- 1.Many shelters offer microchipping for $10-$25 at adoption events
- 2.Bundle with spay/neuter surgery — many vets add microchipping for just $15-$25 while the pet is under anesthesia
- 3.Check for local microchipping clinics and events (Petco, PetSmart partnerships): $15-$30
- 4.The microchip itself costs the vet $5-$10 — you're mostly paying for the injection
📈 Pet Microchipping in California Cost Trends (2020–2024)
Prices have increased +17.3% over the last 5 years
| Year | National Avg | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $52 | — |
| 2021 | $54 | +3.8% |
| 2022 | $57 | +5.6% |
| 2023 | $59 | +3.5% |
| 2024 | $61 | +3.4% |
Based on national averages adjusted for annual inflation. Actual costs vary by location and project scope.
💬 What Did You Pay?
Real costs reported by homeowners for Pet Microchipping in California
Recent Reports
Frequently Asked Questions
Does microchipping hurt my pet?
About the same as a routine vaccination — it's a quick injection with a slightly larger needle. No anesthesia is needed. Most pets barely react. If done during spay/neuter surgery, they don't feel it at all.
How effective are microchips at reuniting lost pets?
Very effective — microchipped dogs are returned to their owners 52% of the time vs 22% for non-chipped dogs. Cats: 39% vs 2%. The chip lasts the pet's lifetime with no battery. The key is keeping your registration contact info current.
Pet Microchipping Cost in Other States
Related Cost Guides for California
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