Now available to the public are microchips at a cost of only $20 each. A microchip is a permanent form of identification for your pet. It's a tiny electronic device, about the size of a grain of rice, that is placed below the animal's skin, usually between the shoulder blades, and can be detected by any veterinarian or animal shelter in the country. Don't let your pet stay away from home any longer than necessary. Get it chipped!