Question: Is microchipping painful, and can animals be tracked with them?

Answer: When inserted properly, a microchip is painlessly injected between the shoulder blades of cats, dogs and rabbits. They are not a GPS-type tracking device. Each is assigned a specific code. If owners keep their records up to date with the Hawaiian Humane Society, the number correlates to owner contact information in a local database to expedite a faster reunion if pets get lost.

Throughout August, veterinarians from Waianae to Hawaii Kai are offering low-cost microchipping of pets for a flat rate of $5.