Why is microchipping important?

A microchip is a very clever little piece of technology. It’s no larger than a grain of rice and is injected beneath the skin between the shoulder blades. Once inserted, it remains nestled in place waiting to be read. A microchip doesn’t transmit data but it does hold it and in the case of our pets, it holds a unique number. Every pet gets their own number which when registered to the company that owns the chip can add their details to make them much easier to be traced in the case of their pets going missing.

A microchip does not need or give off any power but instead contains a radio signal that can be triggered when a microchip reader is used. It transmits the unique number for the reader to collect when it is hit by the radio frequency of the reader and whoever is reading the chip can then enter the number into a search engine to find the owner’s details.

There are a number of reasons to microchip your pet but it should always be done as part of their care to make sure you can always have them returned to you if the worst was to happen.

Since 2016, it has been a legal requirement for every dog in the UK to be microchipped. All dogs should be identifiable through both a microchip and collar with an identification tag attached. Collars come in any style to suit your pooch and are as colourful or as simple as your taste may prefer. There are even specially designed collars like the Ancol Whippet Padded Collar that don’t slip off their necks because they’re bred to have little tiny heads that most normal collars will slip over!

A tag like the My Family Basic Gold Big Circle is ideal and you are required to add your name and your address to make sure you are easy to trace in the event of your pooch going missing. Some pup parents like to add their pet’s name while others choose to not, it’s entirely up to you.

Cats have no legal requirement to wear a collar or identification tag but in England, owners have until June 2024 to get their cats microchipped. It’s not law yet in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland but it’s expected that their governments will also follow and require the same soon.

By keeping your details up to date on the microchip, you will always have a link to your pet. Collars and tags are great and often lead to owners very quickly being reunited with their missing pets but collars can also slip off or get broken so providing your pet with a microchip means all someone has to do if they ever find them is get them scanned at a local vets, rescue centre or at the local stray kennels and you can easily be contacted.

It’s vital if you move home or change your phone number that you keep the microchip details up to date otherwise you won’t be traceable.

The effort it takes to get a microchip inserted is so minimal, there is really no excuse not to. Every pet should have regular check-ins with their vet and you can easily tie this in with getting them microchipped. Even if you’ve owned a kitty or a pooch for years and never thought to have it done, they can still be chipped now just for peace of mind. In 2022, there were an estimated 2160 dogs stolen and 560 reports of cat thefts across the UK but if your pet is microchipped, they are far more likely to be traced back to you.

You are able to get a microchip inserted in your cat or your dog in a range of different places. The first place you will usually think of is your vet, however, pet microchipping does not always need to be carried out by a vet. in fact, anyone who has been trained and completed a course in inserting microchips is able to microchip your beloved pet.

Many rescue centres like Dogs Trust and Cats Protection will always microchip their animals before adoption but if you need to get your own pet microchipped, they sometimes host events where you can get it done for a low cost or even free in some cases. Some local charities and organisations will also microchip pets and you can get it done at the Community Pet Clinic for as little as £13. It’s a very small cost for keeping your beloved pet safe and sound.

You should aim to microchip your puppy or kitten as soon as possible. Ideally, they should be microchipped before they are allowed to venture outside. Most pet parents will choose to get them microchipped around the same time they’re having their first vaccinations as they can be done at the same time. Rather than spreading it out, it’s easier to get it done as quickly as possible for both you and your bundle of fluff. Once it’s in, they will recover quickly from the very small wound it creates and all you have to do is fill in your details and make sure it’s accurate so in the event they do take a wrong turn on the way home one day or get spooked when they’re out for a walk, so that they have the best chance at being reunited with you.

Visit our Community Pet Clinic today for more advice and expert care for your furry friends.