Why you should always microchip your pets?

Having your pet microchipped is an important part of owning an animal. Each microchip has a unique code which is linked to your personal information. This means a lost pet with a microchip that is scanned has a higher chance of being reunited with their owner.

It is a legal requirement in the UK for all dogs to be microchipped before they reach 8 weeks. As of the 10th of June 2024, all cats must also be microchipped. The new requirement will mean that they must be microchipped before they reach 20 months old.

Here are some reasons why you should get your pets microchipped.

Microchipping is a better and more affective form of identification. Unlike a collar and name tags, a microchip cannot be removed. So, if you pet is stolen or lost there is a much higher chance of your pet being returned to you if they are microchipped, that’s if you keep your information up to date.

A collar with a name tag is still a good way to identify your pet’s owner and they should always be worn even if your pet is microchipped.

Having your pet microchipped is a very quick and easy procedure, a small microchip is implanted under the skin between the shoulder blades by a needle. Most pets don’t feel a thing and if they do it is just like having a vaccination. Once the microchip is in place it shouldn’t move, and they aren’t made from reactive material, so they shouldn’t cause your pet any irritation.

Microchips are very hardwearing and are supposed to last a lifetime. However, if your microchip was to break, it would mean that your pets unique microchip code wouldn’t come up if the chip was scanned. If the microchip does break your pet will be able to get a replacement microchip.

Getting your pet microchipped doesn’t cost you big bucks! It shouldn’t cost more than £35, and there is no fee to update your information with the company that looks after the data associated with the microchip. If you purchase one of our puppy or kitten packs, you will receive a free microchip.

Any animal can be microchipped if they are big enough. This includes tortoises and reptiles too!

It is encouraged for any pet owner to get their pet microchipped, especially if they are escape artists!

If your dog is lost and found by a warden and is not microchipped, you have 21 days to microchip your dog before you are fined up to £500. Due to the new requirements of cats being microchipped this fine will also apply if your cat is not microchipped after June 2024.