The biggest benefit investing in a microchip for your dog, cat or rabbit, is to increase the chances of being reunited with your pet in the event of you becoming separated. While collars with tags can be used to identify our pets and carry contact information, these are not ideal as they may break or become detached. A microchip is permanent and a much safer option.
Microchipping is a tiny electronic chip inserted into your pet. The chip itself is very small, about the size of a grain of rice. This chip contains important personal data that can link the pet back to you, ensuring that you can easily reclaim your pet should it become lost. The microchip is placed underneath the skin between the shoulder blades and a hypodermic needle is used to implant the chip and is a similar pain to having a vaccination.
It has been a legal requirement to microchip your dog in the uk since April 2016. Under the new microchipping law that came into effect on 6th April 2016, all dogs and puppies must be microchipped and registered by the age of eight weeks, or you could face a fine of up to £500.00. At the moment this doesn’t apply to cats or rabbits.
Our pets, especially cats, can so easily wander too far and become disorientated due to sickness or old age and many much loved rabbits have found themselves lost. Without a microchip it is near impossible to locate their owner. Microchipping also helps protect your pet from being stolen and possibly sold.
It is very important to keep your contact details up to date on the database so that if you move house or change your phone number you will be contactable in the event of your pet becoming lost. If you find a stray animal you can take it to your nearest vet or rescue centre to be scanned and if a microchip is found the owner can be contacted.
If your pet has already been microchipped, have your vet check to make sure the chip is still in place. They do occasionally change position depending on where they are implanted and the age of the animal when it is implanted. The amount of fat and muscle movement can slightly alter positioning so it gives peace of mind to check the scanner is still reading the chip when you go to a routine check up at the vets.
If your wanting your pet microchipped, please email our reception team (info@rspca-radcliffe.org.uk) with your contact details and we will ring you back to arrange an appointment convenient for yourself and our centre vet Jo.
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