Microchipping

Microchipping has been compulsory since 6th April 2016 in England, following announcements made by the Westminster Government. We strongly recommend and endorse microchipping as the best method of permanently identifying your pet.

Microchips are tamperproof, they cannot be lost like a collar or tag and are completely inert and so do not cause any reactions. They are so reliable that they are the only internationally accepted means of identification for travelling pets under the passport scheme.

A microchip is the size of a grain of rice with an identification code unique to your pet and it is injected through a needle into the scruff area of the neck often without the animals noticing. Many puppies will be microchipped before they leave the breeder and cats are usually chipped when they undergo neutering operations. A small handheld scanner is used to detect the microchip and read the unique code which is then linked to the contact details that you supply when your pet is microchipped.
 
All the details are recorded on a national computer database, which is available 24 hours a day but only to registered parties such as some rescue organisations, veterinary practices, council dog wardens and the police. You can change your registered details if required. The system of chips and scanners has been widely used in the UK for many years and in the future, dogs may have to be compulsorily microchipped. The system is also standardised throughout Europe and although each country will have its own pet database there are examples of contact between countries enabling missing pets to be traced.
 
Microchipping costs just £27.44 for a lifetime's peace of mind so why don't you book an appointment for your pet to be chipped! Microchipping is included in our popular Pet Health Club, as well as many other treatments.

For any further information or advice, please do not hesitate to contact the practice.