Cat microchip cost in 2026
Cat microchip costs $25 to $50 per cat in 2026, and most people pay about $45.
What moves the price
- Vet clinics charge more than shelters and community events.
- An exam or visit fee may be added.
- Some chips need a yearly registry fee.
- Kitten packages or adoption fees may include the chip.
- Where you live changes the price.
What is included
The range is per cat, chip and implant. The price covers the chip and putting it in. Some places include basic registration. An exam, which can add about $50 to $65, and any registry fees are extra.
Cat microchip price by place
| Place | Price |
|---|---|
| Vet clinic | $25 to $50, average about $45 |
| Vet clinic with exam or visit fee | $50 to $100 or more |
| Shelter or rescue | $10 to $40 |
| Community event | Free to about $25 |
| Adopted cat | Often included in the adoption fee |
Average prices in US dollars. Source: GoodRx.
Ways to pay less
- Ask your shelter or rescue, where microchips often cost $10 to $40.
- Look for free or low cost community chip events.
- Pick a registry with no yearly fee, such as AKC Reunite or 24Petwatch for new chips.
What price guides say
We checked 4 price guides and read every number on their pages. They do not all measure the same thing, so the ranges on this page come from putting them side by side.
- GoodRx: Cat Microchip Cost (updated Aug 1, 2025)
- Hepper: How Much Does It Cost to Microchip a Cat (Jan 5, 2026)
- The Vet Desk: How Much Does It Cost to Microchip a Cat (Jan 5, 2026)
- ThePricer: How Much Does Cat Microchipping Cost (Sept 23, 2026)
Common questions
How much does this cost in 2026?
Cat microchip costs $25 to $50 per cat in 2026, and most people pay about $45. Most people pay about $45 per cat. The low end is $25 and the high end is $50.
What changes the price the most?
The biggest factors are: Vet clinics charge more than shelters and community events; An exam or visit fee may be added; Some chips need a yearly registry fee.
How can I pay less?
Ask your shelter or rescue, where microchips often cost $10 to $40. Look for free or low cost community chip events. Pick a registry with no yearly fee, such as AKC Reunite or 24Petwatch for new chips.
Where do these numbers come from?
From 4 named price guides: GoodRx, Hepper, The Vet Desk, ThePricer. Each one is linked on this page with the date we read it.
Related costs
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| Munchkin cat price | $500 to $4,500 |
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