The microchips are gaining ground in Costa Rica.
Pet owners in Costa Rica are being encouraged to implant electronic identification chips in their animals. According to Gina Vargas, representing the Animal Respect Association (ARA) giving an electronic chip to a dog is very much like giving them their own cedula. Microchips are as small as a grain of rice, and can be implanted under the skin of most dogs to provide permanent identification and improve the chances of lost animals being returned to their rightful owners. The chips are optional in Costa Rica, and cost about ¢15,000.