The importance of microchipping
We often have stray and lost dogs or cats brought into us to the surgery in the hopes we can reunite them with their family. It can happen to the most vigilant owner – cats and dogs (or rabbits and ferrets!) can make a break for it and decide to go on an adventure all their own!
The one thing that makes it dramatically easier for us to find a distraught owner is an up to date microchip.
Microchipping – how does it work?
Microchipping is a safe, simple and quick procedure which can make a real difference in reuniting a lost pet with their owners.
The microchip is about the size of a grain of rice and each chip has a unique 15 digit code which is registered onto a national online database. Vets, rescue centres and other animal professionals can then scan a lost pet and find the owner’s details easily and speedily.
Be aware that without a microchip, or a collar there are few ways that animal professionals can find an owner and limited time before a dog warden or rescue centre are forced to re-home a stray pet.
Microchipping dogs and cats – it’s a must
It is a legal requirement for dogs to be microchipped from the age of 8 weeks, the registered keeper must keep their details up to date. This will also be a legal requirement for cats from 10th June 2024. Cats will need to have a microchip before they reach 20 weeks of age.
Dogs must also legally wear an ID collar in public places, you can be fined heftily if you don’t abide by these laws.
Keeping your details up to date
It is vital to update the details associated with your pet’s microchip if you move, change phone numbers or their is a change of ownership. If you are not sure if your pet is chipped or don’t know what the number is, we are happy to scan them for you and check. You can check which database your pet’s chip is registered to using the Home Again website, which will direct you to the correct database where you can update your details.
Registering a non-UK microchip
If you have a rescue or imported pet, their microchip may only be registered in their country of origin. Petlog offer a service where you can register an oversees chip on their database. This will not only comply with the legal requirements of dog or cat ownership, but also makes it easier to find your details should your pet go missing.
Call us on 01435 864422 to book a microchip appointment today!
