‘Let’s all chip in’- What you need to know about the new microchipping rules .

Why is microchipping so important?

As a pet owner, you want to ensure your furry friend is safe and secure at all times. One way to achieve this is by microchipping your pet. A microchip is a small, electronic device that is inserted under the skin of your pet. It contains a unique identification number that can be used to identify your pet if they are lost or stolen.

Microchipping your pet is essential because it can help you reunite with your pet if they go missing. According to statistics from the American Humane Association, one in three pets goes missing at some point in their life. Sadly, only 10% of these lost pets are ever reunited with their owners. However, pets that are microchipped have a significantly higher chance of being returned to their owners.

Microchipping is a simple and safe procedure that can be performed by a veterinarian, nurse or suitably qualified person. The procedure is quick, and your pet may experience a small amount of discomfort whilst it is placed. Once the microchip is inserted, your pet's information is registered in a national database. If your pet is ever lost or stolen, a shelter or veterinarian can scan your pet's microchip to access your contact information. This enables them to contact you and reunite you with your pet.

While microchipping for dogs has been mandatory for many years, new changes are coming into place surrounding cat microchipping. The new rules mean cats must be implanted with a microchip before they reach the age of 20 weeks and their contact details stored and kept up to date in a pet microchipping database. All owners must have their cat microchipped by 10 June 2024 and owners found not to have microchipped their cat will have 21 days to have one implanted, or may face a fine of up to £500. This new law is a significant development in pet safety and welfare. The change is aimed at reducing the number of lost and abandoned cats in the UK. You can read more about the new rules here > GOV.UK

At Pet People Vets we are more than happy to place a microchip in your pet at any time. The placing of a chip does not require sedation or an anaesthetic. Microchipping your pet is essential for their safety and your peace of mind. It is a simple and safe procedure that can significantly increase the chances of reuniting you with your pet if they go missing. With the new changes coming into place

Updating your details

Occasionally when a puppy or kitten is transferred from the breeder to the owner, the microchip details are not always transferred. It is essential when you take ownership of the animal that you check that their microchip has been registered. If you are unsure, you can bring your pet in and we can check this for you. If you move house or any of your details change, you need to contact the microchip company that their chip is registered with. There is occasionally a small fee to pay for these changes.

You can read more about compulsory microchipping here.