are there any downsides to microchipping your pet

[Saint Monica]

?

[niemand88f]

Well I suppose there could be some small risk of nerve damage or infection if your vet is incompetent. There are rumors that it might cause cancer in that area - but if that is even true the rate is incredibly low.
The benefits far outweigh the risks. Say your dog gets lost and their collar comes off - if he has a chip you get a call as soon as a vet or shelter scans him. Of if someone tried to keep him, the chip helps prove who he belongs to. But if he has no chip, you have to go to check all the shelters yourself and possibly take a a lot longer to get him back.

[katietornado]

Ditto PP.

Also, just a little case study...a collar-less, ID-less dog showed up in our yard tonight. We have no idea who he belongs to, and are hoping he is chipped. On top of that, he's a rare, expensive breed, so whoever shows up to claim him will need some really good proof of ownership. A microchip would be perfect for that.