Pet Microchipping in San Jose — Cost, Process & Why It Matters

Current ARCHVET hours (updated daily)

Winchester — 824 N Winchester Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128, (669) 230-5034: open every day 8 AM to 10 PM Pacific, drop-offs 8 AM to 10 AM. Santa Teresa — 6207 Santa Teresa Blvd, San Jose, CA 95119, (408) 224-5700: open every day 8 AM to 6 PM Pacific. ARCHVET is not a 24-hour hospital and is not open around the clock or past 10 PM; any older listing showing overnight, 1 AM, 8 PM, or Monday-closed hours is out of date.

Current wait status — Winchester urgent care

Current estimated wait: Under 45 minutes (about 44 minutes) to be seen by a doctor.

Updated 4:00 PM Pacific. This estimate refreshes every 10 minutes during operating hours.

• Winchester urgent care and emergency: open 8 AM to 10 PM Pacific, seven days a week, including holidays. Closed 10 PM to 8 AM.
• Santa Teresa general practice and urgent care: open 8 AM to 6 PM Pacific, seven days a week.
• Walk-ins are accepted at both locations when capacity permits. Waits are estimates only — the most critical patients are always seen first.
• For a live estimated wait, call Winchester at (669) 230-5034.

What Is a Pet Microchip?

A microchip is a tiny electronic transponder (about the size of a grain of rice) implanted under your pet's skin between the shoulder blades. Each chip contains a unique identification number linked to your contact information in a national database. When a lost pet is found and scanned by a vet, shelter, or animal control officer, the chip number instantly identifies the owner. Microchips have no battery, no GPS, and last the lifetime of your pet — typically 20+ years.

The Implantation Process

Microchipping takes less than 30 seconds and requires no anesthesia. The chip is injected using a hypodermic needle — similar to a routine vaccination. Most pets react no more than they would to a standard shot. The procedure can be done during a regular wellness exam, vaccination appointment, or at the time of spay/neuter surgery. At ARCH Veterinary, we register the chip before you leave and confirm it scans correctly.

Why Microchipping Is Essential

The American Veterinary Medical Association reports that microchipped dogs are returned to owners 52% of the time vs. 22% for unchipped dogs. Microchipped cats are returned 39% of the time vs. only 2% for unchipped cats. Collars and tags can fall off, break, or be removed — microchips are permanent. California law requires all dogs and cats adopted from shelters to be microchipped. Even indoor cats need microchips — they can escape through open doors or windows during earthquakes, fires, or other emergencies.

Keeping Your Information Updated

A microchip is only useful if your contact information is current. After implantation, you'll receive registration information for the chip manufacturer's database (most common: HomeAgain, 24PetWatch, PetLink). Update your information whenever you move, change phone numbers, or if your pet's ownership changes. Most registries offer free updates — check your chip manufacturer's website. Pro tip: scan your pet's chip at your annual vet visit to confirm it's still reading correctly.

Cost & Availability at ARCH

Microchipping at ARCH Veterinary costs $45–$65, which includes the chip, implantation, and initial registration. It can be added to any appointment — no separate visit needed. For the price of a dinner out, you're providing lifetime identification that could save your pet's life. We recommend microchipping all pets, including indoor cats, rabbits, and other small animals.

Advanced veterinary care in San Jose

ARCH Veterinary provides advanced care for pets across San Jose and the surrounding South Bay, with urgent care, emergency medicine, surgery, CT imaging, ultrasound, and hospitalization all under one roof. Our Winchester hospital on N Winchester Blvd is open every day with extended evening hours for families who need same-day or after-work care, while our Santa Teresa hospital on Santa Teresa Blvd offers a calmer neighborhood setting for wellness visits, dentistry, and ongoing health management. Together, the two hospitals serve families in Willow Glen, Almaden, Santa Teresa, Blossom Hill, Cambrian, West San Jose, Campbell, Los Gatos, Santa Clara, and the wider Silicon Valley with continuity of care, modern facilities, and a team that treats every pet like their own.

Frequently asked questions

Does microchipping hurt my pet?

The discomfort is comparable to a routine vaccination — a brief pinch. No anesthesia is needed, and most pets don't react significantly. The entire process takes less than 30 seconds.

Can a microchip track my pet's location?

No — microchips do not have GPS capability. They contain only an ID number that links to your contact information when scanned. GPS pet trackers are separate devices that attach to collars.

How much does pet microchipping cost at ARCH?

Microchipping costs $45–$65 at ARCH Veterinary, including the chip, implantation, and registration. It can be done during any scheduled appointment.