Microchipping Your Pet

Microchipping a pet is something all responsible owners should do, whether you own a cat or a dog, a rabbit or a tortoise!  All animals can go missing or be stolen and a microchip is a brilliant way of permanently identifying them.  It is also a legal requirement for any pet traveling outside of the UK.

What are microchips?

• Microchips are tiny devices which contain a small electronic circuit. They are about the size of a grain of rice.
• Each chip is tagged with a number and can be read with a hand held scanning device.  The number is unique to your pet and is kept on a central database along with all your personal and contact details.
• There are several different databases that hold these details, make sure your vet uses one of the larger ones with a 24 hour help line.
• There is only the number on the chip, no other details are held on them, nor (as some people mistakenly assume) are they GPS devices!
• All vets, rescues, dog wardens and the police have the  microchip scanners and all makes of chip can now be read by all types of scanners.
• Microchips are very safe and once implanted, most cannot even be felt.  Some can migrate under the skin but not usually very far and they cannot be removed.

How are pets microchipped?

• Most pets are chipped by vets but many lay people, for example groomers or trainers, have been taught how to place them and so can do it as well.
• The chip is inserted under the skin at the scruff of the neck using a needle.  It is a quick and painless procedure which only needs to be done once.
• In horses the convention is the microchip them on the left side of their neck, into a thick ligament so the chip doesn't move.
• Exotic creatures like birds and reptiles can be chipped but it is best done by a specialist vet and often requires an anaesthetic.
• Most pets are chipped conscious but it can also be done while under an anaesthetic for another procedure, for example neutering.  The advantage of this being that the pet doesn't feel the needle.  I often recommend this for cats, who are usually being spayed or castrated fairly early in life.

Why should I microchip my pet?

• All responsible pet owners should have their pets chipped.  It is a quick, safe procedure, only needs to be done once and is a permanent identification of your pet.
• If your animal ever goes missing then they will be easily identified and returned to you by anyone with a chip scanner.
• Chips are also very helpful in settling owner disputes.
• If you are planning on traveling abroad with your pet under the PETS travel scheme then microchips are a legal requirement.Microchips are tiny devices which contain a small electronic circuit. They are about the size of a grain of rice. 

If you are concerned about your pet regarding this, or any other problem, you should contact your vet.