Chipping dogs and cats

Safe on the move and clearly identifiable with a microchip

More safety for your pet - why a chip is so important

Captive identification

A microchip is the only permanent way to clearly and securely identify your pet. While collars can be lost, damaged or stolen, the microchip stays safe and inconspicuous under the skin for life. It cannot fade, be tampered with or removed. Even after years, the chip reliably provides the stored information so vets and animal shelters can identify your pet at a glance. This ensures your pet can always be assigned to you—no matter where it is.

Faster back home

Scientific studies prove it: chipped dogs are returned to their owners 2.5 times more often, cats even 21 times more often. Animal shelters, vets and even the police scan for a chip as standard - so your pet can be quickly and clearly identified in an emergency. In the event of theft, the chip also serves as legally secure proof of ownership for you. At filu, we only use tested ISO standard chips that are reliably readable worldwide.

Taking responsibility

With a microchip, you are not only protecting your own pet, but also making a contribution to animal welfare. Identified animals are less likely to end up in overcrowded animal shelters and help prevent epidemics, for example through rabies monitoring. In many countries, the chip is also mandatory when traveling. Implantation takes just a few seconds, is virtually painless and requires no aftercare - a small measure with a big impact!

This is how the chipping process works

Preparation

Before chipping, we check together whether your pet is healthy and relaxed. The puncture site - usually on the left side of the neck - is thoroughly disinfected. You can of course be very close to your pet and stroke their fur to reassure them.

Chipping

The small microchip is inserted under the skin with a special, sterile needle - this only takes a few seconds and feels like a short prick. No anesthetic is required and your pet can move freely again immediately afterwards.

Inspection

Immediately after insertion, we use a reader to check that the chip is correctly positioned and can be read without any problems. The unique chip number is then entered in the EU pet passport so that all important information is immediately available.

Registration

After visiting the vet, you should register the chip free of charge with a central database such as TASSO or FINDEFIX. This is the only way animal shelters and vets can find your contact details in an emergency and return your four-legged friend to you quickly.

Chipping dogs and cats: Everything you need to know!

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The digital ID card for animals

The chip practically gives your animal friend their own ID card. The chip number - together with your contact details - is stored in a central database. If your pet gets lost, it can be found and returned to you much more quickly. Important: Remember to always keep your contact details up to date!

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Travel, rules and chip obligation

If you are planning a vacation abroad or a move, the chip is often mandatory - for example for the EU pet passport and when crossing borders. In many countries, you won't get far without a chip, so chipping is also practical for hobby adventurers. This ensures that your pet is considered to “belong to you” everywhere.

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Creative extras: What else you should know

There are now apps that allow you to easily manage the chip number and important data. Also keep an eye out for free chip campaign days that vets or animal welfare organizations often offer. And remember to have a quick check at your next vet visit to make sure the chip is still in place and working properly!

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Why pet parents and furry friends love us

Andreas W
February 17, 2025

I am 100% satisfied with the overall performance of the practice team and the atmosphere on site. A warm-hearted environment and the friendly staff made the visit a really pleasant experience. My cat Arnie, 21.5 years old, was there as a patient and was taken to a special cat room to have a relaxed atmosphere (pleasant room scent concept). He was given time to walk around and acclimatize. A really great practice. The medical advice and implementation were also very good and gave my hangover another chance. Advice for at home and telephone follow-up care were also provided. Just great. Always just go there.

Paul M.
June 15, 2025

I was there because of Bonnie's problem. She had hip/lower back problems and received immediate help, with no waiting time. The staff and the vet were very friendly. The vet explained everything clearly and understandably. He was also very gentle with the dog. Excellent service and not expensive.

Janina K.
June 27, 2025

The practice is excellently equipped and offers everything you need to provide the best care for your beloved pets. The waiting times are short and the organization is top notch. The team is extremely friendly and competent and ensures that both the animals and the owners feel comfortable. What's particularly worth mentioning is how friendly the team is and how much time they spent with my crazy cat. If you are looking for a sensitive and professional veterinary practice, you have come to the right place!

Benjamin S.
May 4, 2025

We had to use the emergency service from this practice today, and what can I say. It's just great!!! Not only that we received a great welcome and reception. No, they really put a lot of effort into us and our dog. It was truly a really great experience with you (for humans and dogs). We will come more often now, maybe not on emergency duty ;) but definitely at normal times. You can only be recommended! From start to finish, a 10 out of 10. Thank you !!!

Floryan A.
June 9, 2025

Very friendly, professional, and competent. Fast online booking, transparent costs. My cats are finally in good hands.🙏 This veterinary practice isn't about money, but about the well-being of the animals.♥️🫶🐱

Janina S.
June 21, 2025

We were there today with our little Labrador puppy. The staff was super friendly and accommodating. Poppy felt incredibly comfortable, got her vaccinations without any problems, and then felt so comfortable that she immediately fell asleep on the floor.

Alex S.
June 17, 2025

A super relaxed atmosphere, excellent value for money, and extremely competent treatment and advice. I wanted to have my German Shepherd mix's teeth cleaned and the discoloration removed. I was told that this wasn't necessary and that simple brushing would suffice. The second visit was for the standard annual vaccination. Once again, everything went perfectly. I'll definitely be back.

Luk W.
January 12, 2025

Great experience! We were there for emergency service on Saturday. Booking an appointment was super quick and without any problems. The whole team was super nice! On Tuesday we were there again and everything possible was done to help our dog. The vet also made sure that she didn't remember the examination as a bad event. We will now switch to this practice as our regular practice😊

Manfred V.
June 3, 2025

I am completely satisfied with this veterinary practice! The care is always professional and warm. I particularly appreciate the uncomplicated scheduling of appointments, so that you can get help quickly even with acute concerns. The entire team is friendly, competent and treats the animals lovingly. My dog ​​Holly clearly feels at home there and as the owner I am happy to know that she is in such good hands. Absolute recommendation!

Saskia L.
May 2, 2025

I was rushed in with my dog ​​for a small emergency appointment at 7:30 p.m. We had a tick on my dog's eye and unfortunately we couldn't get it removed ourselves. The staff on the phone in the practice and the attending veterinarian were really very friendly and gave me such a great welcome that I didn't know from other practices at this time 😅. I was given great information and definitely found a new vet. Super great, thank you everyone!

Eduard M.
May 8, 2025

Went here with my cat for several issues, so far the best Veterinary in Dusseldorf , would recommend 10/10.

Nikki Y.
October 14, 2025

We booked an emergency appointment on Friday afternoon and got a very good treatment and got squeezed into their busy schedule and luckily the bill wasn't as high as it usually is in such cases. Really great. Not to mention the whole ambiance of the place and everything being handled digitally (booking, payment, invoice).

Paula N.
May 2, 2025

Get an appointment within 1 hour. Super nice, competent doctor, explained everything in detail, didn't immediately prescribe antibiotics, but suggested alternatives. The ladies at reception are very friendly and treat the animals really well. We'd love to come back.

Moritz H.
April 16, 2025

I've been to filu twice so far for my cat's acute problems, and I've been completely satisfied both times. Appointments are quick, depending on the urgency, and from the initial consultation to the treatment, all the staff are incredibly friendly. Both the doctors and assistants were competent, took plenty of time, and explained all the treatment options. The prices are absolutely fair for what's offered. The facilities are also beautifully designed.

Ian M.
August 15, 2025

Amazing service. I took my young cocker spaniel Otto and the vets were so attentive and professional with deep specialisms. The clinic is also very beautifully designed and it is great that you can book online and there are extended opening hours.

Maryam L.
December 11, 2025

Very clean and pleasant environment. Friendly staff. Everyone was very gentle with our extremely anxious dog. The doctor spent more than an hour with us. We never felt rushed and he answered all of our questions and concerns.

Eugene T.
September 2, 2025

This Praxis is really great. My dog had surgery here and everything went just perfect. The doctor is very competent, explained me everything and answered all my questions. I had a feeling that the dog is in good hands. And I was right. People I communicated with are very kind and friendly. Plus, it’s very beautiful and cozy place. Even though I wish your pet doesn’t need a doctor, but if you have to, I recommend you go to this Praxis. Thank you, filu!

Christoph W.
July 13, 2024

This is by far the very best veterinary office I have ever visited with my little pup. I still cannot believe the service, level of care, professionalism and deep understanding of my dachshund’s needs that the team has demonstrated during my two-hour visit with him. The facility and cleanliness are among the chicest I have come across and rivals any Apple Store. I wish us humans had doctors offices that looked and functioned like this! I hope your pet never needs a vet visit, but if it does, go here in Munich!! 10/10

Anton Karpov
January 24, 2025

Very nice place, highly professional doctors who keen to help but not to take more money from you. I urgently needed help for my cat. They gave me appointment in couple of hours in the same day. Doctor Rotem Freilich was very professional and kind. Instead of offering each and every test he made only necessary things and set up therapy plan. It helped in the same day and my cat started to recover very fast. It was on Saturday but the price was very conservative compared to what it could be on weekends. Thank you! Highly recommend!

Jelena M.
May 3, 2025

I found filu through Google Maps for an emergency service for my anxious dog, as it was Saturday and our regular vet was closed. At filu they listened, treated my dog perfectly, observed him and discharged him with ultimate carefulness. They were kind not only to him but also to me in a challenging situation. Highly recommend!

Melanie B.
November 29, 2023

Best vet practice! Everyone is incredibly sensitive and friendly! Great feel-good atmosphere! I would recommend this practice to everyone. You always get an appointment super quickly and there are virtually no waiting times. Thank you for your great work, both vets and the team!

Vanessa W.
December 15, 2023

Thank you so much for the great experience. Online appointment scheduling is great. I was warmly welcomed and the rooms are beautiful and modern. The team treated my cat very well. I can recommend the practice:)

Charlie P.
November 27, 2023

I got an appointment for my dog at very short notice (as a new patient) because she wasn't feeling well at all. We were treated well and competently. In addition, this is the first vet where my dog was not afraid and even went to the treatment table of his own accord. We love staying patients here!

Philippe S.
October 31, 2023

I have been with filu with my dog Zeus since he was a puppy and can heartily recommend this veterinary practice. Everyone there is very nice and friendly with the animals, whether they are vets or nurses. By the way, the practice is super clean and ultra-modern. Unfortunately, my dog had to have fairly invasive surgery early on as a puppy and everything worked out wonderfully there! Absolute recommendation, always happy to come back here.

Marie R.
October 11, 2023

Starting with the easy parking facilities, you can look forward to very friendly and competent staff, as well as very clean and modern facilities. The long journey was worth it. humans and pets really feel at home here.

Ronja H.
July 12, 2023

Great wonderful practice, super friendly staff, great vet who hasn't lost touch with the animal at all. Were there for an emergency on a Saturday evening and there was a special wait for us. Emphatic & competent — an absolute recommendation from the heart.

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Arzt, der einem Hund in Ohr blickt.

Hast du Fragen?

Do you have questions?

At what age should a dog be chipped?

It's best to have your dog chipped as a puppy, usually between eight and twelve weeks of age. This is a good idea because the first vaccinations are due during this time anyway and you can take care of everything during one visit to the vet: In Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein, for example, the chip must be inserted from the third month of life at the latest, elsewhere by the sixth month at the latest. However, older dogs can also be chipped at a later date without any problems as long as they are healthy - if in doubt, simply ask at your veterinary practice what the regulations are in your region - we will be happy to advise you!

At what age should cats be chipped?

You can have your cat chipped from around eight weeks of age. Many vets recommend simply combining chipping with the first vaccinations or neutering - this way you save your pet an additional visit to the vet and everything can be done in peace at one appointment. Adult cats can also be chipped at any time as long as they are healthy. Basically, the earlier your cat is chipped, the better protected it is in case it gets lost.

Can I locate my cat if it is chipped?

No, you cannot locate your cat with the chip alone. The microchip placed under the skin only serves to uniquely identify your cat - it contains an individual number that can be read by vets or at the animal shelter using a reader if your cat is found. If you really want to track your cat, there are special GPS trackers for collars. These send the current position of your cat to your cell phone, allowing you to track it on a map.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

Does the chip make a dog calmer?

A normal microchip for identification has no influence on your dog's behavior. It is only used for identification purposes and does not make your dog calmer or more restless, but the so-called “castration chip” (hormone chip) has a different effect: This chip is sometimes used on male dogs to temporarily castrate them hormonally. This can reduce certain behaviors such as mounting or marking, and some dogs actually seem more relaxed during this time. However, this does not work the same for every dog - there are also animals that show no change at all or even develop undesirable side effects such as restlessness or anxiety.

Wie teuer ist ein Chip für Katzen?

Das Chippen deiner Katze kostet in der Regel zwischen 39 und 80 Euro. Der Preis setzt sich aus dem eigentlichen Mikrochip und dem Einsetzen beim Tierarzt zusammen. Beim Termin wird deine Katze, wenn nötig, noch kurz untersucht. Am günstigsten ist das Chippen während der normalen Sprechzeiten – außerhalb dieser Zeiten oder im Notdienst können die Kosten etwas höher ausfallen.

Der Chip hält ein ganzes Katzenleben und macht es einfacher, deine Katze im Fall der Fälle eindeutig dir zuzuordnen. In besonderen Fällen ist das Chippen deiner Katze sogar vorgegeben, wenn du z. B. planst, mit deiner Katze ins Ausland zu verreisen. Tipp: Viele lassen ihre Katze beim Impftermin oder einer anderen Behandlung gleich mitchippen – so spart ihr euch einen Extra-Besuch. Manche Tierkrankenversicherungen übernehmen die Kosten sogar ganz oder teilweise.

Wenn du Fragen zu Ablauf oder Kosten hast, sprich uns gerne an!

How long does a chip last in cats?

The microchip normally lasts a lifetime and does not need to be replaced or maintained. It does not contain a battery and is only activated when it is read with a special reader. Once your cat has been chipped, you no longer need to worry about its durability - the chip will work reliably for the cat's entire life.

How much does dog chipping cost?

Chipping your dog normally costs between 40 and 80 euros, depending on the vet, region and chip model. This price includes the microchip itself, the insertion and the necessary documentation. Registration with TASSO or FINDEFIX is free of charge for you and very important so that your dog can be quickly assigned to you in an emergency, and if you adopt a dog from an animal shelter, the chip is usually already in place. And sometimes vets or animal welfare organizations have special offers where chipping is cheaper.

Is chipping cats painful?

Chipping is usually hardly painful for your cat. The process only takes a short moment and feels similar to a vaccination - so at most it's a small prick. After insertion, your cat will not even notice the chip in everyday life. In rare cases, the insertion site may be slightly irritated or swollen, but this usually heals quickly on its own.

Is chipping a dog painful?

Chipping is not usually painful for your dog. The procedure only takes a few seconds and feels like a short prick at most - comparable to a vaccination. Anesthesia is not necessary. Some dogs may react sensitively to the puncture site for a short time, but the chip itself does not cause your dog any pain afterwards and is usually not noticed at all.

Is it possible to read a dog's chip with a cell phone?

No, you can't simply read the normal microchip that your dog wears under its skin for identification purposes with your cell phone. Although smartphones use NFC, they transmit on a completely different frequency to animal chips. These chips can only be read with special readers, such as those used by vets or animal shelters, but there are special digital dog tags that are specially made for cell phones - but they work differently and do not replace the implant chip under the skin. In short, you always need a special reader to read the actual animal chip.

Should I be able to feel my dog's microchip?

Sometimes you can actually feel your dog's microchip as a small, firm stick under the skin, usually on the left side of the neck. This is particularly common in dogs with thin fur or little subcutaneous fat. In other dogs, however, the chip is usually not felt at all - this is completely normal and no cause for concern, and the chip can sometimes move a little in the tissue, for example towards the shoulder, but this is usually harmless. If you are unsure whether the chip is still in place or working properly, you can have it read at any time by us or another veterinary practice. The most important thing is that it can be scanned without any problems - whether you can feel it or not is irrelevant.

What does it mean when a dog is chipped?

If your dog is chipped, it has a small microchip under its skin - usually on the left side of its neck - about the size of a grain of rice. This chip has a unique number that can be used to identify your dog anywhere in the world. If your dog escapes and is found, the chip can be read at any veterinary practice or animal shelter using a special reader. In contrast to collars or tags, which can be lost, the chip remains in the dog's body for the rest of its life and works reliably.

When should a cat be microchipped?

It is best to have your cat microchipped as early as possible - this is recommended from around eight weeks of age. It is particularly practical to have your cat chipped at the same time as its first vaccinations or neutering, as this will save you an additional visit. If your cat is allowed outside, it should definitely be chipped and registered before it is allowed outside for the first time. However, a chip is also useful for indoor cats, as they can sometimes escape, for example through an open door. In principle, chipping is possible at any age, even adult cats can be chipped without any problems.

Will the microchipping procedure harm my cat?

Microchipping is considered to be very safe for cats and usually has no complications. The procedure is only a small prick, comparable to a vaccination. The chip itself is made of well-tolerated material and usually stays in place without any problems. Very rarely, there may be slight swelling, itching or redness at the injection site immediately after chipping. However, these symptoms usually subside quickly and serious side effects or complications are extremely rare. An increased risk of cancer has also not been scientifically proven. Overall, the benefits of a microchip far outweigh the very rare and mostly harmless side effects.

Find your filu location

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Pilgrimstraße 6, 50674 Cologne
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