What Happens to Microchips During Pet Cremation?

The moment you realize your beloved furry friend has run away, a helpless feeling begins to set in. However, if your pet companion is microchipped, it can reduce that feeling considerably.

Microchipping your pet is a great way to increase the odds that you will find your lost furry friend. It involves a simple procedure by a veterinarian who uses a needle to place a small computer chip (about the size of a grain of rice) under the loose skin between their shoulder blades. A microchip is designed to work for 25 years, so it will remain in your pet for the entirety of their life.

Is Your Pet’s Microchip Destroyed During Cremation?

Yes, a microchip will not survive cremation along with other precious metals. If it is not removed before the cremation, it will be incinerated and destroyed as part of the cremation process. Therefore, microchips don't need to be surgically removed prior to cremation.

In order to identify the remains, many pet crematoriums put a steel ID tag with your pet that will stay with them during the cremation process. Once the cremation is performed, many pet crematoriums will clean the tag and include it with the bag holding your pet's cremated remains.

What Do Pet Remains Contain?

Pet remains after cremation consist of ashes and bone fragments. Large pieces of bone that did not incinerate during the process are pulverized to fine dust that resembles ash. The cremains you receive will likely have a white or gray color with a very fine powdery texture.

Keep Your Pet's Memory Alive

No one wishes to part with their pet for good. There are many ways to remember them or keep them close to you once you have their ashes, such as displaying their urn or turning their ashes into a permanent household item. Explore these options when you're ready and choose the one that best commemorates your beloved pet.