Microchipping is a quick and easy procedure and will be all over before your pet has even finished munching on their biscuit! The microchip itself is tiny and is about the size of a grain of rice and contains a unique ID number that can be detected by a scanner.
Following the Government's announcement on Monday 13 March, it's now mandatory for all cat owners in England to ensure your cats, older than 20 weeks, are microchipped by Saturday, 10 June 2024. Failure to comply with this legislation may result in a fine of up to £500.
It will be implanted just under your pet’s skin between their shoulder blades where there is plenty of loose skin and fat to cushion it. Once your pet has been microchipped it will last for the rest of their lifetime, and will increase the chances of you and your furry friend being reunited should they get lost whilst out and about or stolen.
Why do you need to microchip your dog?
- A new law was introduced on the 6th April 2016 making it compulsory for all dogs in the UK to be microchipped and registered with a government approved database.
- All puppies must now be microchipped by 8 weeks of age, which will be done by the breeder.
- If you do decide to get a puppy to join your family, make sure the breeder gives you a copy of your puppy’s microchipping documents. If they are unable to provide this, then do not buy from this breeder.
- Once you get your new pup home, you will be able to contact the database and change your puppy’s details into your own name and address.
Why do you need to microchip your cat?
- Although microchipping is not compulsory for our feline friends, it’s a good idea to get them chipped to ensure that they can be reunited with you if they wander off and get lost or are stolen.
Don’t forget…
If you move house or change your telephone number, you will also need to make sure your details are up to date on the registered microchip database. Not only will this ensure your furry friend has the best chance of being reunited with you, but it is also a legal requirement. So, once you’ve finally unpacked all those boxes after your house move, make sure this is next on your ‘to-do’ list!
Microchipping your pet at Park Vet Group
Sedation is not necessary for the implantation of the microchip as this procedure causes minimal discomfort and can be done in a routine consultation. And don't worry if you can't recall (or know) if your pet is microchipped - It is very easy to check for a microchip using a scanner. We can arrange for a member of the team at one of our Park Veterinary Group branches to scan your pet and check for a working chip. Rest assured, we all always check that an animal hasn’t already got a microchip before implanting a new one.
At the time of implant, you will be asked to complete a registration form, which your details are then submitted to a national database by a Park Veterinary Group team member. Your details are kept on the database for your pet’s lifetime, and the fee for this is included in the cost of implantation.
It is important to update any changes to your contact details as soon as possible. At Park Veterinary Group, all our microchips comply with the International Standard (ISO) and can, therefore, be recognised by scanners abroad when used in the Pet Passport scheme.
For more information, please speak to one of our friendly team members at one of our practices by calling the branch most local to your home address.