Equine Microchips

We recommend microchipping your horse for proof of ownership

 A tall, vertical shape with straight sides and semicircular ends, resembling a capsule or pill, outlined in black on a white background—ideal for signage at a pet clinic or veterinarian's office. The image is a solid light gray background with no visible objects, text, or people—ideal for use in Animal Hospital or Vet settings seeking a neutral backdrop.

Why We Recommend Microchipping Your Horse Why We Recommend Microchipping Your Horse
  • Proof of Ownership: In the unfortunate event of theft, a natural disaster, or a dispute, a microchip provides permanent, unalterable proof of identity that cannot be lost like a halter tag or altered like a brand.
  • Mandatory for Competition: Most major organizations—including USEF, USHJA, and FEI— require ISO-compliant microchips for all horses competing in sanctioned events.
  • The “Thermochip” Benefit: Because we use Merck TempScan™, your microchip isn’t just an ID—it’s a health tool. It allows us to monitor your horse’s temperature frequently without the stress of a rectal thermometer.
 Dr Sutter and Stephanie preparing to microchip this pony in Spring Hill, Kansas A young girl sits at an open doorway, hugging a small black dog as they gaze out toward a bright picket fence and garden—capturing a quiet moment that could be seen in any caring veterinarian’s home. The softly lit floor gleams in the foreground. Two women stand with a brown pony; one holds the pony’s halter and a blue rope, while the other appears to be examining or grooming the pony in a well-lit stable area.

The Procedure: How We Implant the Microchip

Many owners worry that the needle looks “big,” but the process is remarkably fast and very well-tolerated by horses. Here is how we do it at Red Oak Animal Hospital:

Preparation and Scanning

Before we begin, we scan your horse’s neck to ensure they don’t already have an existing chip. We also scan the new Merck TempScan™ chip while it is still in the sterile packaging to verify that the ID number matches the provided registration stickers.

Site Selection

Following international standards, the chip is placed in the nuchal ligament on the left side of the neck, approximately halfway between the poll and the withers. This area has very few nerve endings and provides a secure “pocket” for the chip so it does not migrate.

The Injection

We clean the injection site thoroughly with an antiseptic. Using a sterile, pre-loaded applicator, our veterinarian quickly inserts the chip. Most horses react no more than they would to a routine vaccination.

Post-Implant Verification

Once the chip is in place, we scan the neck one last time to confirm the chip is reading perfectly and displaying the temperature. We then provide you with the documentation needed to register the chip with HomeAgain and your respective breed or show registries.

 

Note: No downtime is required after the procedure! Your horse can return to their normal schedule immediately, though we recommend skipping a heavy workout right after if the injection site is slightly sensitive.