Microchipping

A simple microchip could reunite you with your pet if they ever wander too far from home

Did you know that it is now a legal requirement to have your dog microchipped? This could be the essential piece of equipment that reunites you with your pet if they ever wander off and get lost.

A microchip is the size of a grain of rice and is inserted almost painlessly underneath the skin between your pet’s shoulder blades. The chip carries a unique number that (when scanned) links to your contact details which are stored in the national pet database.

Microchipping allows your pet to be reunited with you as quickly as possible if they ever go missing. This is beneficial not only in terms of the emotional stress it relieves, but also ensures they receive treatment quickly if they are ill or have been injured.

When your pet is chipped, you will be required to pay a one-off fee. After that no further maintenance is required – you simply have to remember to update your contact details on the database if you move house or change your telephone number.

Microchipping is a more reliable method of identification than a collar and tag, which can easily fall off or be removed. Once it is inserted the chip will be kept in place by the surrounding body tissue.