In the UK, microchipping is now mandatory for all dogs, with owners legally obligated to keep their contact information updated. While this law specifically targets dogs, microchipping cats is strongly recommended to increase the likelihood of their safe return if they become lost. This regulation aims to reduce the number of stray animals, promote responsible pet ownership, and expedite the process of reuniting lost pets with their owners in emergencies. It's crucial to ensure your contact information in the microchip database is accurate and up-to-date, as outdated details can significantly hinder the safe return of your pet.
What is Microchipping?
Microchipping is a permanent form of identification for pets, involving a chip being injected under the skin of the scruff. A microchip is a very small chip placed under the skin of your pet. Each microchip has a unique number can be read by portable scanners at most vets, local authorities and rescue homes. Sedation is not necessary for the implantation of the microchip as this procedure causes minimal discomfort.
Book a microchipping appointment
Why Should I Have My Pet Microchipped?
While microchipping is legally mandated for all dogs and puppies in the UK (with a requirement for microchipping before eight weeks of age before ownership transfer), it is strongly recommended for cats, rabbits, and other pets.
Failure to comply with the dog microchipping law can result in a significant fine of up to £500. Furthermore, microchipping is essential for pets travelling internationally, along with the necessary Animal Health Certificate.
If your pet gets lost, the microchip system allows the vet or shelter to contact you as quickly as possible, once your pet is found.
Pets travelling abroad are required to be microchipped as part of the Pet Travel Scheme (Pet Health Certificate).
Microchipping Your Pet in Ledbury
Sedation is not necessary for the implantation of the microchip as this procedure causes minimal discomfort and can be done in a routine consultation. And don't worry if you can't recall if your pet is microchipped! It is very easy to check for a microchip using a scanner. Rest assured, we all always check that an animal hasn’t already got a microchip before implanting a new one.
The microchipping procedure requires no sedation, as it causes minimal discomfort and can be performed during a routine consultation. If you’re unsure whether your pet already has a microchip, our team can easily scan your pet to confirm.
When microchipping is performed at Leadon Vale Vets, you’ll need to complete a registration form, and our team will submit your details to the national database. This registration is valid for your pet’s lifetime, and the cost of the procedure includes the registration fee.
All microchips we use meet International Standards (ISO), ensuring they can be read by scanners abroad for pets travelling under the Pet Passport scheme.
For further details or to schedule an appointment, contact our Veterinary Clinic. Our friendly team is happy to assist you.
How Can I Be Traced if My Pet is Found?
At the time of implant, we ask you to complete a registration form and your details are then submitted to a single national database. This information is kept for life and the fee for this is included in the cost of implantation. Once the chip number has been identified, a simple phone call can reunite you with your pet 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
It is important to update any changes in personal contact details. Our microchips comply with the International Standard (ISO) and can therefore be recognised by scanners abroad when used in the Pet Travel scheme.
For more information, please speak to one of our friendly team members at our practice by calling the branch most local to your home address.
For more information, please contact our friendly team.