If you’ve ever searched “dog microchipping near me” or tried understanding the different types of microchips for dogs, you’re already doing something most US pet parents forget—learning how microchips actually work before you need them.
Every year, thousands of dogs go missing across the US, and the ones that make it back home fastest almost always have two things in common:
But many owners don’t realize that not all microchips are the same. Different technologies, frequencies, scanners, and databases mean some chips are easier to detect and recover through shelters than others.
And if the chip isn’t registered? It’s almost impossible for anyone to contact you—even if they scan it.
This guide breaks down everything US dog owners need to know in a simple, stress-free way:
A nationwide system exists to reunite lost pets faster, and registering your dog’s microchip with a reliable database (like National Microchip Registry – NMR) is one of the easiest ways to make sure your pet is always protected.
A dog microchip is basically a lifelong digital ID—one that can’t fall off, fade, or get lost like a tag. Inside that tiny grain-of-rice–sized chip is a unique identification number that links your dog to your contact details through a dog microchip registration database.
Here’s the simplest way to understand it:
Most importantly, a microchip only does its job when the registration is active.
If your contact details aren’t listed in a recovery database, the chip becomes just a number with no owner attached.
That’s why many US dog owners now use a microchip lookup or microchip registry lookup to check whether a chip is registered correctly—especially for newly adopted dogs, rescues, or puppies from breeders.
Quick Tip: If you’re unsure whether your dog’s chip is active, run a fast check using a free lookup tool such as the one offered by National Microchip Registry →
Whether you search for types of pet microchips or specifically want to know about types of microchips for dogs, they’re usually about understanding which chip is widely used and which ones work across the US, and which microchip is safest for their dog.
The good news is, despite many brands, there are only a few real types of microchips used in the US.
Below is the simplest breakdown of the core microchip technologies used today.
|
Microchip Type |
Frequency |
Common in the US? |
Pros |
Cons |
Best For |
|
FDX-B (ISO 11784/11785) |
134.2 kHz |
Most common - Used by shelters, vets, and most breeders |
Works with universal scanners ICAR-approved Universal readability, international compatibility |
Needs registration |
All dogs, puppies, and ideal for dogs who may travel internationally |
|
FDX-A |
125 kHz |
Common in older dog chips or certain older clinic systems |
Readable by many US scanners |
Not ISO-compliant and not recommended for travel |
Older dogs, imported dogs |
|
HDX Microchips (High Definition) |
134.2 kHz |
Rare - Used mainly in livestock, but rarely in companion animals |
Long read range |
Not used in companion pets Not commonly implanted by US vets |
Working animals (rare) |
|
Temperature-sensing chip |
134.2 kHz |
Growing |
A newer variation used by some vets for health monitoring |
Higher cost |
Useful for puppies, seniors, and chronic health conditions |
Any microchip can be registered, but ISO FDX-B chips offer:
All these chips are passive (no battery, no signal, no GPS). They are safe, biocompatible, and designed to last a lifetime—but registration is still required for them to work.
Not sure which microchip your dog has?
Get a quick microchip registration online from NMR →
Even though several types of pet microchips exist, US veterinarians, shelters, and breeders tend to rely on just a few options.
This is the microchip type you’ll find in:
FDX-B chips are considered the best microchips for dogs because:
A universal microchip just means it’s readable by most scanners used in US shelters. These are popular because they:
Some US brands offer microchips with:
These are ideal for:
These are exactly the same technology as regular chips—just smaller. Perfect for:
They are easier to implant and more comfortable for small dogs.
These chips measure body temperature when scanned. Useful for:
While not required, some vets choose these for convenience and improved monitoring.
If you recently adopted a dog or bought a puppy and aren’t sure which microchip type they have, you can do a quick microchip registry database using the search tool from National Microchip Registry →
Once dog owners understand the types of microchips, the next big question is:
“Which microchip brands actually work with US shelters and recovery databases?”
It’s an important question—because a microchip is only useful if:
Most veterinarians prefer brands that offer:
These are used because they have the highest scanning reliability, especially during lost dog intake.
In simple terms: Any ISO-standard FDX-B microchip can be registered with national US databases.
That means:
…can all be tied to a recovery system as long as the number is active and searchable.
This flexibility is why the US strongly recommends ISO FDX-B chips—they’re consistent, compatible, and widely used for lost dog recovery.
Even though every microchip looks the same, brands vary in:
Some older chips require specific scanners, while newer universal chips work with:
This is the most important factor.
A good microchip must link to a registry that shelters can easily search when a dog is found.
Some brands automatically link your contact info. Others require online sign-up.
Many pet parents don’t realize their chip isn't registered until their dog is lost.
Better materials mean:
If you ever plan to travel with your dog, ISO FDX-B microchips are essential.
Here’s a quick decision guide:
If a microchip doesn’t offer these, skip it.
Microchipping alone isn’t enough.
For shelters to contact you, the chip must be linked to your name and phone number through a dog microchip registration system.
Not sure if your dog’s chip is registered?
Use NMR’s Microchip Registry to confirm everything in under a minute.
Microchipping is one of the simplest things you can do to protect your dog — whether you’re a first-time owner, adopting a rescue, or bringing home a new puppy.
The right microchip, registered with the right database, makes it easier for shelters and vets across the US to reunite lost pets with their families faster.
Once you understand the types of microchips for dogs, how registration works, and what US shelters actually scan, choosing a chip becomes simple.
Already registered?
Use the Microchip Registration Services from NMR to check and update the properly linked your contact information.
.