The microchip within is very small like, a grain of rice. It is not much different from a regular vaccination for the dog. The injection is over the shoulder blades roughly. It is possible for the chip to migrate toward the collar bone eventually over the years.

It is likely that a dog will get lost during its lifetime. Often at rest stops, gas stops and even at the vet’s office dogs can escape their owner. The backyard fence may have a portal into another world for your dog. At any rate, having a dog microchipped will give any owner peace of mind knowing that either through the animal shelter or a vet’s office their pet can be identified.
The most important thing to remember is to update the registration information.

​In 2021 there were over 1,600 dogs serving in the military.  They also serve to assist in post-war recovery.  A touring exhibit exists commemorating all the K9 dogs.  It will soon be housed at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Ohio.
 
Famous K9 Veterans include:        
Stubby, American Pit Bull Terrier and the only dog to have the rank of Sergeant. Served 17 battles in France Chips, Collie/ Shepherd/ Siberian Husky mix (1940s) Germany, France, North Africa and Sicily               

Kaiser, German Shepherd (1960s), over 30 missions in Viet Nam.  Killed in action 1966      
                                    
Lucca, German Shepherd/Belgian Malinois, Marine, detected explosives for 6 years finding 40 explosives, lost front leg in Afghanistan in 2012 from IED blast.  No Marines died under her service.  She retired in 2012 and lived with her original handler, Gunnery Sgt. C. Willingham.

Smoky, Yorkshire Terrier, earned 8 battle stars with handler, was on 12 combat missions, survived 150 air raids and help build the airbase at Lingayen Gulf on Luzon, an island in the Philippines, 10 yr service (1944-55) live 14 yrs.                          

Conan, Belgian Malinois (Netherlands) – Cover missions/special ops Cairo, Belgian Malinois, Navy SEALs member, covert operation removing Osama Bin Laden, May 2011
 
Ways to Observe K9 Veterans Day

• Commemorate a K9 Veteran
• Learn more about training programs and consider supporting their causes, do your research. 
• Attend or read about ceremonies honoring these dogs
• Use #NationalK9VeteransDay on social media

References:
Bushatz, Amy. “National K9 Veterans Day.” Military.com, 16 Feb. 2021, https://www.military.com/veterans-day/k9-veterans-day.html.

“K9 Veterans Day 2022.” Awareness Days Events Calendar 2022, 13 Mar. 1970, https://www.awarenessdays.com/awareness-days-calendar/k9-veterans-day-2022/.

“Quick Links.” K9 Veterans Day, https://www.osi.af.mil/News/Photos/igphoto/2002953585/.

SpouseLink, and Name *. “5 Of the Most Inspiring K-9 Veterans.” SpouseLink, 9 Feb. 2022, https://spouselink.aafmaa.com/5-most-inspiring-k9-veterans/.