Microchipping
Microchipping is a legal requirement for dogs and cats, and can be a reassuring safeguard for many other pets. This quick and stress-free procedure provides a permanent method of identification for your pet, ensuring they are easily reunited with you in case of loss.
Gudi Stuttard BVSc (hons) MRCVS
Veterinary Surgeon
“I know that everyone I work with cares about doing a good job for our patients and clients and we all work together to do our best. But we have a lot of fun too. We are a proper family.”
The Benefits of microchipping
- Permanent Identification:A microchip provides a safe, tamper-resistent permanent form of identification for your pet
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Swift reunion: If your pet goes missing, the microchip’s code can be scanned by authorised professionals and matched with your contact details stored in the national database.
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Emergency medical attention: In the unfortunate event that your pet is brought to us injured while straying from you, their microchip will ensure that we will be able to immediately identify them and contact you to discuss their treatment.
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Deterring pet theft: Keeping microchip details up to date helps establish ownership and is a robust deterrent against theft.
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International travel: Microchipping is mandatory for international travel with your pet.
Microchipping your pet
Microchipping involves implanting a tiny computer chip, similar in size to a grain of rice, under your pet’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades. The chip is placed by injection using a needle and the procedure is quick and straightforward, often performed in a short appointment. Each chip carries a unique dose which is then registered on a national database, linked to your contact details. Once in place, the chip can be scanned with a microchip reader to give your pet’s unique number and allow them to be traced to you as their owner.
Frequently asked questions
Is microchipping painful for my pet?
Is microchipping painful for my pet? Placing a microchip involves an injection with a fairly large needle but is usually very well tolerated and can be performed in a normal consultation. Often your pet will not notice the momentary pain of the needle, especially if they are distracted with treats, and they tend to recover from any brief reaction immediately. For kittens, we often take the opportunity to microchip them while they are anaesthetised for their neutering procedure, so they do not feel it at all, and some exotic pets may require a very brief anaesthetic to allow the chip to be placed.
How does the microchip work?
How does the microchip work? The small microchip acts as a transponder to emit a unique code when scanned by a reader. This code is recorded on a database alongside the pet’s name and description with the registered owner’s details. This means that, whenever a pet’s chip is scanned, it can always be traced back to the owner registered on the database.
What if my contact details change?
What if my contact details change? It is important to ensure your pet’s registered details are kept up to date on the microchip database. This is the owner’s responsibility and is straightforward to do. When your pet is registered you will receive instructions on how to update your records so if you contact numbers or address change then do remember to update those details.
Is microchipping mandatory?
Is microchipping mandatory? Since 2016 it has been mandatory in the UK for all dogs over the age of 8 weeks to be microchipped, so puppies should be microchipped by their breeder before they are sold. The law also now states that all cats must be microchipped by the age of 20 weeks, so we can arrange to do this at the time of neutering within this time frame, or otherwise at a separate appointment if neutering later. If, for any reason, your pet is not currently microchipped when they should be, please do not worry. You can avoid any repercussions by simply giving us a call and arranging to have your pet microchipped, ensuring you are compliant with the law.
“We cannot fault them, their professionalism, kindness, speed and urgency when it came to making sure Bramble had everything he could was incredible. Genuinely make the process for us as a family so much easier. Thank you to the entire team”
Zara Louise
Our Pet Health Plans
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Kovu found, identified and treated
Thankfully, Kovu was microchipped, so we were able to identify him and reach his owners. We had to let Kovu’s worried owners know that he had clearly suffered a trauma, most likely having been hit by a car, and that he was in a critical condition.
