How many animals have received microchip implants in the U.S.?
In the last decade, millions of wild salmon have been implanted with RFID microchip devices to track their movement through waterways. Countless laboratory animals have also been implanted, and many farm animals across the world are being microchipped, as well. Close to 5% of the United States’ estimated 164 million dogs and cats have microchips in their flesh. Animal shelters around the United States routinely chip pets before releasing them for adoption. In addition, governments, including those of Los Angeles County, and El Paso, Texas, have passed ordinances requiring that all dogs under their jurisdiction be microchipped. El Paso has extended the chipping mandate to cats and ferrets.
