Pet microchips are small, rice-sized transponders implanted under a pet's skin, typically between the shoulder blades by Animal Services, a veterinarian, or other animal organizations. 

Although not GPS trackers, the microchips contain a unique identification number registered with a national database that helps provide contact information for a pet's family in case the pet is lost and found by a resident or Animal Services.

All pets adopted from Animal Services' Animal Shelter receive a microchip before they leave the shelter. Animal Services also recommends that pets not adopted through the shelter should also be microchipped in case they are lost or escape.

Public Microchip Scanning Stations

Animal Services has installed three microchip scanning stations around Athens-Clarke County. These stations allow anyone who has found a pet to scan for a microchip and find information about the pet's family. This can help a lost pet get reunited with a family more quickly. The stations - with instructions - are located:

• Animal Services' Office / Adoption Center (125 Buddy Christian Way) - available 24 hours a day
• Memorial Park Dog Park (293 Gran Ellen Drive) - available during park operating hours
• Southeast Clarke Park - Wiggley Field Dog Park (325 Whit Davis Road entrance) - available during park operating hours

Microchip Services

During October 2025, Animal Services will provide microchip services including checking animals for a microchip, implantation of microchips, microchip registration, and information updates. Beyond October 2025, contact Animal Services for information on additional opportunities for microchip services through their department.