SAN DIEGO (CBS 8) - Microchipping pets can give owners peace of mind if their pet ever gets lost. However, over time it's possible the tiny chip can migrate to another part of the animal's body - making it harder to find and scan.
Dr. Scott Lafey at AMICI Pet Hospital said chip placement is extremely important and vets make sure to insert them between the muscle and skin - between both shoulder blades.
"It's extremely important that a vet places the chip because as you can imagine we don't want it to be placed within the muscle or spine or elsewhere," said Dr. Lafey.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, instances of a chip migrating from its original position inside a dog's body happens in less than one percent of animals.
"A lot of times the microchip is going to be the difference between a sad ending and a happy reunion," said Dr. Lafey.
While it may be rare, Dr. Lafey said it's important to check the chip every once in awhile just in case.