Why Should I Microchip My Pet?
A microchip is a small device that is implanted underneath the skin of an animal. At Roundwoods we use mini microchips. It is about the size of a small grain of rice and contains a number that is unique to the pet.
The Benefits of Microchips
It takes just seconds to implant a microchip with minimal discomfort for your pet - just like an injection!
Microchips are a reliable way of reuniting lost pets with their owners. Just make sure your details are kept up to date!
One microchip will last the lifetime of your pet.
A more permanent form of identification - collars and tags are easily lost.
Proof of ownership.
Allows your pet to use microchip cat flaps such as Sureflap which only allow your pet to enter and have lots of additional features, such as locking overnight once your pet is indoors.
Once your pet is microchipped your details will be registered onto the national PETtrac database.
It is part of the requirement for your pet to travel abroad to have your pet microchipped. *Contact us for more details on taking your pet abroad.
It is a legal requirement that dogs are microchipped by eight weeks of age.
Great for dogs and cats but it can also be used in other pets such as rabbits.
Each microchip has a unique number that can be read by a handheld scanner. When the pet is scanned it will pick up this number and we can then call the national database for more information, the scanner may also alert us to the pet being lost or stolen.
The national database holds the owner's address and contact details. Although microchips cannot be used to track pets in real-time, it is the first thing we check when a lost or a new pet comes to the surgery.
Since the 6th April 2016, all dogs eight weeks and over require a microchip. Pets sometimes have ear tattoos for identification, however, these are not commonly used as they tend to fade and can be altered.
New owners who have bought their puppy from a breeder need to apply for a transfer of ownership to register their puppy’s microchip to their name and address.
Legally, breeders have to register their details onto the microchip database of each puppy sold. It is illegal for breeders to chip and register their puppies with the names and addresses of the person they are selling to.
How Do I Get My Pet Microchipped?
Microchipping is simple, straightforward, quick and easy to do. The procedure is similar to an injection and doesn’t require any special treatment or anaesthesia.
One of our nurses will carefully inject the chip underneath your pet’s skin, at the back of their neck. Some pets show a little discomfort but most don’t react to the chip being implanted and we use lots of distraction techniques to make it as stress-free as possible for your pet!
We will register your pet’s microchip details to a database, which owners can update in the future. You can also subscribe to an annual email to keep your details up to date via Petlog.
Contact the surgery to book an appointment with one of our nurses today!
Will The Chip Fall Out?
The chip should not fall out when implanted, however, you mustn't rub or poke the area where the chip has been inserted for at least 24 hours, or it could become dislodged or fall out.
Will The Chip Move Around?
The microchip is enclosed in a special bio-compatible casing to help prevent it from moving around. On very rare occasions, after implantation, it can be dislodged and move under the skin a little. This should not discourage you from having a chip implanted; if the chip cannot be located at the place of implantation, the whole animal will then be scanned.
Can The Chip Be Removed?
It is very difficult to remove a microchip without appropriate anaesthesia and the correct equipment given its size. Once embedded it is difficult to pinpoint the location of the chip exactly to be able to remove it.
How Do I Update My Pet’s Microchip Details?
When the chip is placed you should be given details via email or a certificate telling you the microchip number and the database it is registered to by the person who implanted the chip. You may also get additional stickers with your pet's number that can be stuck to your pets vaccination card.
Owners can update this database by either logging straight onto the website of the provider, calling or emailing them. Vets cannot update or change the details of the chip after it has been implanted.
You will need to update your chip details every time you move or change your number. You can also add important medical information to your pet's file or place an alert on the chip such as lost or stolen.
It is a legal requirement to keep your contact details up to date, and the microchip company may charge a small fee for you to update your pet's details.
Beware of scams - There’s a one-off payment that you make to your vet when the chip is implanted – this includes the cost of your details being stored on the database for life. A small charge may be required if you need to update your details. But you should not be asked for any payment at any other time and you should not require to register your pet to a national database.
Is There a Penalty For Not Microchipping My Pet?
Although there is currently no requirement for microchipping cats (unless they are travelling under the pet travel scheme) there is for dogs.
The penalty for not microchipping your dog varies. Typically, if you do not have a microchip or your details do not match your current status, you will be sent a warning letter giving you 21 days to comply.
Those who do not get their pet microchipped at this time may get hit with a £500 fine, or have their dog seized and forcibly microchipped.
If you are looking to get your pet microchipped, please book an appointment with one of our nurses via our online booking system or phone: 020 8459 4729
