Many of you may have read reports regarding the safety of microchips in pets.  The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is very concerned about recent reports and studies that have linked microchip implants, commonly used in dogs and cats, to cancer in laboratory animals.  The AVMA is looking into any potential for microchips to induce tumor formation in dogs, cats, and people but must wait for more definitive data and test results before taking further action.  There have been studies in rats, and mice that have shown a correlation between microchip implantation and tumor formation but many problems have been found with this study.

In the United Kingdom, where over half of the dog population is micro chipped, data has been collected on the adverse events related to microchips including tumors.  In 10 years of collecting data, only 2 tumors have been reported.

Based on the fact that a large number of pets have already been implanted with microchips and there have been a small number of confirmed cases of chip induced tumors the AVMA advises pet owners against a rush to judgment on the technology.  More comprehensive studies need to be done to fully understand if there is a significant correlation.  At this time there is no benefit to removing microchips and the benefits of having your pet micro chipped far out weighs any documented risks.