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Will it hurt?
Your pet will only feel the
injection, once the chip is in
place they will not feel it. For
some small dogs or cats it
may be sensible to place the
microchip whilst they are under
anaesthetic for example at the
time they are neutered.
How long will it last?
The chip is a permanent
implant which should function
indefinitely. Usually there are
no side effects to the
placement of the chip. Very
occasionally the microchip
may change its position
slightly under the skin. It is
important that the chip is
scanned whenever your pet
visits the surgery to check
that everything is working
and the chip remains in the
correct place.
How much does it
cost?
Contact your local practice
for the latest microchipping
fees. Dogs Trust centres and
certain participating veterinary
practices may be able to offer
a reduced rate for a limited
period. Currently microchipping
is not compulsory, but in
April 2016 (England, Wales
and Scotland) it will become
the law to have your dog
microchipped. There is
currently no compulsory
microchipping for cats.
Why should an animal
be microchipped?
The most obvious benefit is
that if your cat or dog
becomes lost, when found
and taken to a veterinary
practice or some animal
charities, they can be
quickly and painlessly
scanned and their
number identified.
This is linked to your name
and address and you can be
contacted immediately. Should
your pet be stolen, even if the
collar and tags are removed,
the chip will still remain in
place. If they are then scanned
at a visit to the vets, your
details will be registered with
the chip, so they can be
returned to you. Microchipping
is a deterrent to thieves as they
will find it very difficult to sell
a chipped animal. It can also
help the reporting of hereditary
problems in pedigree dogs, and
may help tackle puppy farming.
If you have any questions
about microchipping,
please contact your vets
and they will be happy to
advise you.
Pet
Awareness
What is
microchipping?
Microchipping is a quick
and easy procedure which
provides many benefits for
you and your pet. It is the
insertion of an electronic
chip, around the size of a
grain of rice, under the skin
at the back of the neck.
It can be scanned with a
chip reader to reveal a
unique number. Registering
the chip to your name
and address ensures your
pet can be traced back
to you. For dogs, even if
microchipped, it is still the
law to wear a collar with
tags containing your name,
address and contact
telephone number.
Micro
chipping
By
Holly Rees BVMs, MRCVS
Allen & Partners