Did you know that June is National Microchipping Month?
National Microchip Month is in June each year and is all about ensuring your pets are safely implanted with a microchip so they can be traced if they ever were to go missing.
We all know how easy it can be to lose track of your pet, even for a second. Imagine the horror of your beloved pet actually going missing!
National Microchipping Month aims to reduce pet owners’ stress and worry if their pets do go missing by encouraging microchipping.
Since 6 April 2016, all dogs in England, Scotland and Wales must be microchipped. Owners of dogs and puppies over the age of eight weeks must microchip their dogs AND have their pet's microchip details registered on one of the authorised databases.
Dog owners are also required to keep their pet’s details up to date with the database under the new law. As well as being microchipped, it is still a legal requirement for dogs to wear a collar and tag with the owner’s name and address on it when in a public place.
Owners who do not get their dog microchipped and registered with an approved database face a fine of up to £500 if caught - The only exception to this law for pet dogs are those who a vet believes should not be chipped for health reasons.
If you rehome your dog to someone else, you must give the new owner the correct microchip registration paperwork so that they can contact the database and register as the dog’s new owner.
What is a microchip exactly?
A pet microchip is a tiny computer chip. It's about the size of a grain of rice. It contains a unique code that matches up to your pet’s details.
Microchipping a pet is a very quick procedure. The chip is inserted under the animal's skin, usually around the scruff of the neck, using a needle. It takes just seconds to do.
Animals can then be checked for a microchip using a handheld electronic device, called a scanner. Which all vets and most rescues have access to. When this is waved over the animal's neck, the scanner will recognise the information held inside the chip and display the unique code - giving the vet practice access to your information.
Why should I get my Pet Microchipped?
A microchip is a permanent form of identification, the chip can be read even if the animal has slipped their collar. As long as the details are kept up to date (for example change of phone number or address) then you can always be contacted if your pet goes missing.
Does it hurt?
Microchipping is very quick! BUT it does involve a needle being inserted into the skin, so is likely to be a little uncomfortable for your pet for a few seconds.
However, most pets don't even notice if you distract them while it's done.
What type of animals can be microchipped?
Pretty much all animals can be microchipped. From dogs, cats, horses, ferrets and rabbits, to more exotic animals like tortoises, birds and lizards, .