Why chip your pet month should be trending!

Why chip your pet month should be trending!

Microchipping your pet should be the first thought when getting a new animal. Whether a young puppy or kitten who’s never had one before, a rescue or the changing of the owner's details on the chip, it’s crucially important. Chip your pet month should be trending this month as everyone should be doing it and making sure that those who don’t realise it’s importance, learn why they should be spreading the word too.

Why should you microchip your pet?

Microchipping your pet is a tamper-proof way that you can never lose them. Collars, tags, coats, harnesses and other labelled items can easily be removed, whereas a microchip can’t. Only a qualified veterinarian can administer a microchip and an owner has to agree to having the microchip changed, therefore if someone maliciously got hold of your pet, you would know about it. Wherever the microchip gets scanned all your information is made available so you can be reunited with your pet.

How is an animal microchipped?

Microchipping is a simple and painless procedure. A microchip is inserted into the back of a pets neck at their scruff where they feel little discomfort. It only has to happen once and then you register the microchip with your vet or online. All vets provide this service, normally for a cost of around £15. Sometimes when changing ownership of a pet or adopting you may find there is a small administration fee for this change.

What does microchipping do?

Microchipping makes your animal identifiable. It ensures that if your pet is ever lost, someone can find out who they belong to and make sure they get home safely. The unwritten rule is that if you find an animal that isn’t wearing an identification tag to contact the owner, you head to the nearest vet to help find who it belongs to. As a community of animal lovers, with everyone doing this, more pets find their way back home.

What are the laws about microchipping?

Compulsory dog microchipping came into effect in April of 2016. Any dog found without a microchip by law enforcement will be given a short period of time to get their pet microchipped. If they don’t, they could face a fine of £500. Currently, cat owners are not lawfully required to have their cats microchipped. However, with most cats having free rein of their local area, it is highly recommended!

A microchip is the size of a grain of rice and doesn’t cause any problems during an animal's life. Microchipping has helped numerous animals find their owners again. With pet theft on the rise during the pandemic, this has been more important than ever. If an animal was illegally taken and sold, having a microchip made them much more likely to get back to their real owner. The month of May is dedicated to getting the knowledge of law and the benefits of microchipping around. Microchip your pet!