Questions
Where Can I Get a Dog Scanned for a Microchip? Woodland Hills Vet Services
Bring your dog to our veterinary clinic in Woodland Hills for a free microchip scan. We're located at 22544 Ventura Blvd, open Monday through Friday 8 AM to 5:30 PM. No appointment needed for a quick scan.
Where to Get Your Dog Scanned for a Microchip in Woodland Hills
If you've found a lost dog or want to check your own pet's chip, the quickest option is to visit a local veterinary clinic or animal shelter. Here's how to get a microchip scan in Woodland Hills:
- Visit a veterinary clinic — Bring the dog to our clinic at 22544 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills. We scan for free Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5:30 PM. No appointment needed for a scan.
- Check an animal shelter — Local shelters like those in Agoura Hills or Canoga Park also scan microchips for free. Call ahead for hours.
- Use a scanning station — Some community centers or pet events have "Check the Chip" stations. These are less common but worth checking if you're near Warner Center or Fallbrook Center.
- Call animal control — If it's after hours, your local animal control officer may have a scanner. They can meet you at a designated location.
We serve Woodland Hills, Calabasas, Agoura Hills, Malibu, and beyond. For more details on our services, visit our Veterinary Medical Center of Woodland Hills page.
Can You Scan a Dog Microchip with Your Phone?
Most smartphones cannot directly scan a pet microchip because the chip uses radio-frequency identification (RFID) at a specific frequency (125 kHz or 134.2 kHz) that your phone's NFC reader doesn't support. However, there are options:
| Method | How It Works | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional scanner (vet/shelter) | Handheld universal scanner reads any chip | Reliable, free, covers all frequencies | Requires travel during business hours |
| PetScanner app + device | Pair a small Bluetooth scanner with the free app | Portable, works with most chips | Costs $30–$50 for the scanner; not all chips read |
| Phone NFC apps | Some apps claim to read chips via NFC | No extra hardware | Rarely works; only with newer chips; unreliable |
For a guaranteed scan, bring your dog to a professional. We use a universal microchip scanner that reads all common chip frequencies.
Is Microchip Scanning Free at Vets and Shelters?
Yes, most veterinary clinics and animal shelters scan microchips for free as a community service. Here's what to expect:
| Location | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Our clinic (Woodland Hills) | Free | No appointment needed; Mon–Fri 8 AM–5:30 PM |
| Local animal shelters | Free | Call ahead for hours; may have limited scan times |
| Police stations or animal control | Free | Usually by appointment or after-hours call |
If you're in Woodland Hills, Calabasas, or Agoura Hills, we're your most convenient option. We also offer microchipping if your pet isn't chipped yet. For more on costs, see [[how-much-does-it-cost-to-chip-your-dog-at-petsmart|our guide to microchipping costs]].
How Much Does Dog Microchipping Cost?
Microchipping your dog is a one-time expense that varies by provider. Here's a general breakdown:
| Factor | Why It Matters | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| Location (vet vs. shelter vs. event) | Vets charge for the chip and insertion; shelters may offer lower-cost clinics | $25–$75 |
| Included services | Some include registration in a national database | Varies; ask if registration is extra |
| Additional visit fees | If done during a wellness exam, you may pay an exam fee | $50–$100 for exam + chip |
At our clinic, we offer microchipping as part of a wellness visit. The cost is competitive and includes registration. For a detailed comparison, see [[how-much-does-it-cost-to-chip-your-dog-at-petsmart|our article on microchipping prices]].
Microchip implant (animal)
A microchip implant is a tiny electronic device, about the size of a grain of rice, that is placed under your pet's skin. It uses passive radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology to store a unique identification number. When a scanner passes over the chip, it reads that number, which can be looked up in a national registry to find the owner's contact information. Shelters, animal control officers, and veterinarians routinely scan lost pets for microchips, making it one of the most effective ways to reunite families. If you've found a lost dog or want to ensure your own pet can be identified, a quick scan at our clinic can provide peace of mind.
Directions to our veterinarian in Woodland Hills from Rams Village at Warner Center
Start at Rams Village at Warner Center and head to Veterinary Medical Center of Woodland Hills at 22544 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91364.
What to Do When You Find a Lost Dog with a Microchip
Finding a lost dog can be stressful, but a microchip makes reuniting them with their owner much easier. Follow these steps:
- Keep the dog safe — If the dog is friendly, secure them in a safe space (car, yard, or carrier). Offer water but no food unless you're sure it's safe.
- Get the microchip scanned — Bring the dog to our clinic or any nearby vet or shelter for a free scan. We're at 22544 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills.
- Write down the microchip number — The scanner will display a 9- to 15-digit number. Make sure you get it correctly.
- Look up the registry — Use the AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup tool online (free) to find which registry the chip is registered with (e.g., AKC Reunite, Found Animals).
- Contact the owner — The registry will provide contact information for the owner if the chip is registered. Call or text them. If the chip isn't registered, the owner may not be reachable—post on local lost pet groups.
We can help with the lookup and contact process during our hours. For more on what to expect, read [[how-long-will-a-dog-remember-their-previous-owner|our guide on helping lost pets]].
How to Look Up a Microchip Number After Scanning
Once you have the microchip number, here's how to find the owner:
- Go to AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup — This free online tool checks multiple registries at once. Enter the chip number.
- Identify the registry — The tool will tell you which registry holds the chip (e.g., AKC Reunite, Found Animals Microchip Registry).
- Contact the registry — Call or use their website to report the found pet. They will contact the owner on your behalf or give you their info if available.
If you need help, our team can assist with the lookup during business hours. For more details, see [[what-is-the-best-low-cost-veterinary-near-woodland-hills-los|our resources for pet owners]].
Sources
Frequently asked questions
Will Petsmart scan for microchip?
Some PetSmart locations with a Banfield veterinary hospital inside may offer microchip scanning, but it's not guaranteed. Call ahead to confirm. For a sure bet, visit a local veterinary clinic or animal shelter.
Will a vet scan a microchip for free?
Yes, most veterinary clinics, including ours, scan microchips for free as a community service. No appointment is needed—just bring the dog in during business hours.
Who can scan my dog's microchip?
Veterinary clinics, animal shelters, animal control officers, and some police stations have universal microchip scanners. Any of these can scan your dog's microchip for free.
Can I use my phone to scan a dog chip?
Generally no. Most pet microchips use RFID frequencies that smartphones cannot read. Some apps claim to work with newer chips, but they are unreliable. A professional scanner is the best option.
Can I scan a dog for a chip myself?
You can buy a handheld pet microchip scanner for around $30–$50, but it may not read all chip types. For a free, reliable scan, visit a vet or shelter.
Also asked as
- Where can I get my dog's microchip scanned near me?
- Free microchip scanning for dogs in Woodland Hills
- Who scans dog microchips for free?