Microchipping
Microchipping is the insertion of a microchip into our pets. A microchip is a small chip about the size of a grain of rice, which is implanted into the pet. Each microchip is embedded with a unique 15 digit number –
your pets own microchip number. When your pet is scanned for a microchip, this is what the scanner picks up.
How is a microchip inserted?
A microchip is inserted by injection into the scruff at the back of the neck. The needle is bigger than a vaccination needle so some discomfort is possible, which is why some people prefer to have it done whilst their pet is being neutered.
Once your pet has been microchipped we will automatically register your pets’ microchip on the database, this will link your pets’ microchip number to your contact details. You will receive a certificate of this through the post.
As from 6th April 2016 all dogs must be micro-chipped and registered on the database – with all details up to date and correct by law.
Puppies must be chipped by the time they are 8 weeks of age.
There are no age restrictions on this law, so even older dogs must be done.
If your pet is already micro-chipped make sure your details are up to date.
If you fail to have your pet micro-chipped or fail to keep your records up to date you could be issued with a penalty notice and fine of up to £500, a lot more than £10 for a microchip!
How it works
If your pet ever went missing and was found by someone – they would be taken to a vets, kennels or police station – all of which have microchip scanners. All stray pets are scanned for a microchip.
If your pet is micro-chipped the scanner will pick up your pets microchip number. The number will then be entered into the database, which will then bring up your contact details.
You will be contacted and you will be reunited with your pet!
If your pet is not micro-chipped this may not be possible and your pet may go into a re-homing kennel. Don’t let this happen!
10 reasons why
Travelling – If you are wanting to travel abroad with your pet, they must have a microchip in order to get a passport.
Docked Tail – If you purchase a puppy with a docked tail, who will be used as a working dog, the puppy must be microchipped before 12 weeks of age and details of said microchip entered into the dog’s paperwork and signed by the Veterinary Surgeon to comply with legislations.
Permanent I.D – A microchip is a permanent form of identification. All dogs should legally wear a collar and tag, but these are very easily lost or removed, particularly in cats also. Once a microchip is inserted it is there for life.
Finding their way home – Would your pet be able to find their way home? 9 out of 10 pets that AREN’T microchipped unfortunately do not make it back home. All vets, kennels and police stations have microchip scanners, any stray pet taken to one of these places will be scanned immediately for a chip. If they are not microchipped these animals will be taken to the stray kennels – and if not reunited with their owner with 10days can be put up for rehoming.
Proof of registered owner – Can you prove your pet is your pet? Microchipping is a form of proof that the pet is registered to you. As long as registered details always remain up to date. If, unfortunately, your pet is ever stolen or if someone else finds them and decides they want to keep them, the microchip will be able to prove it is your pet (note only if the animal is scanned, chip is detected and microchip company contacted)
Proof of animal identity – Ever seen a pet that is identical to yours? A microchip is a form of identification for your pet – proving who that animal is. If your pet was ever mistaken for a nuisance pet or, for example, a dog that had been aggressive, you can prove this animal is who you say it is.
Quick and easy – A microchip is quick and easy to implant. Just like giving your pet an injection. As long as your pet is compliant. For exotic pets the procedure is more complicated, please speak to one of us.
Cheap – Can you put a price on being reunited with your pet? It is a cheap procedure. You will find that most veterinary practices do microchipping for less than £20.
Legal requirement – Microchipping is a legal requirement for all dogs over the age of eight weeks and from 10th June 2024 for all cats over the age of twenty weeks.
Know what’s happened to your pet – Unfortunately, a lot of road traffic accidents involve cats, who are then brought to the vets. If this pet is not microchipped or wearing a collar/tag (which most cats do not) there is no way of knowing where this cat has come from. Sadly, if the cat doesn’t make it, the owner may never know what has happened to their beloved pet.