June is National Microchipping Month, which is a reminder for cat and dog owners about the importance of having your pet microchipped.
It is now compulsory for dogs to be microchipped by the age of 8 weeks in the UK, but we find there are still many pets that are not chipped. Having a dog without a microchip can leave you facing a hefty fine! The government is also introducing compulsory cat microchipping to help reunite lost and stray (and dare I say it) stolen pets. When it becomes compulsory for cats to be chipped it will probably be by 16 weeks of age as it’s often done when they’re neutered, being smaller than most dogs. Without a microchip, a lost cat will most likely end up being rehomed to a new home as there is often no trace of its original owner.
The benefits of microchipping are:
- you will have the peace of mind that there is a much better chance of you and your pet being reunited if, for whatever reason, you should become separated
- it is a unique pet ID that cannot be tampered with
- the procedure is carried out by suitably qualified people, usually vets and vet nurses. It’s a bit like having a vaccination and no recovery time is needed (a microchip is about the size of a grain of rice and goes under the skin between the shoulder blades)
- once in place a microchip does not need to be replaced
- if your pet’s ownership changes (even temporarily) the chip information can be changed
- the information is stored in a government-approved database and can be cross-referenced by vets by simply scanning where the chip was implanted
Many pet owners would agree that their biggest fear is being unintentionally separated from their pets. There are so many reasons that a pet can go missing, with even the most obedient of dogs or homely of cats easily finding themselves lost and confused. Once a microchip is inserted, it will stay there for the duration of your pet’s life, giving your pet the very best chance of making it back to you should it ever be lost.
Whilst there is no need for multiple visits to the vets for microchips, you will still need to keep your pet’s details up to date should you move home.
If you’re a new pet owner or have a pet that hasn’t yet been microchipped, you can book in with your local vet which may come at a small charge. However, The Blue Cross and The Dogs Trust have centres that offer this service for free. Having your pet microchipped is not only important for their welfare but it will also give you peace of mind.
Jane recalls how Our Special Friends arranged for two cats to be microchipped before going into temporary fostering with her so that, should the worst happen and they were separated, they could be identified and reunited.
