Micro chipping is a form of permanent identification that is administered under the skin in the back of the neck. It is administered with a 14 gauge needle and can be painful. It is usually recommended to have your pet micro chipped when he or she is under anesthesia for their spay or neuter or dental cleaning. However, many pets will have it done while they are awake. Any pet that shows up at a shelter or that is picked up by animal control will be scanned for a chip in an attempt to reunite it with its owner.