This is an extremely important way of identifying your pet should they ever go missing. We regularly have pets brought in to the surgery who have either strayed or been injured in a road traffic accident with no way of being able to find out who their owner might be.
If these pets had been microchipped we would have been able to reunite them with their owner immediately.
Every year more than 300,000 pets are reported missing. They may go missing for a variety of reasons especially if they are particularly inquisitive! During the firework season, if pets are not kept inside they often become scared and disorientated due to the noise and easily become lost. Other pets may run off during thunderstorms or if they have recently moved areas they may wander too far from their new home. Some pets may even be stolen. Unfortunately in recent years there has been an increase in the number of pets especially dogs which are stolen, usually to breed from or to sell on in an attempt to make money. Because the microchip is a permanent form of identification it enables your pet to be returned to their rightful owner much more easily even after a long period of time.
It is a legal requirement to have your dog microchipped by 8 weeks of age and keep their contact details up to date with the database.
Implanting a microchip is quick, simple and very cost effective. It will give you the peace of mind that if your pet does become lost they have a form of identification which means you will be reunited much faster and may avoid the possibility of your pet being kept in a shelter or even rehomed.
How does it work?
A microchip is a small electronic device which is the size of a grain of rice. The chip is inserted in the loose skin of your pet’s neck generally in between their shoulder blades. Depending on the species of your pet the area may be different. For example tortoises are microchipped in their hindlimb.
The chip contains a unique number which is read using a scanner. This number is registered to the national database. Once the chip has been inserted we will log all of your details via a registration form. This means that the number will be linked to your home address and contact numbers were your pet ever to go missing.
It is extremely important that you keep your contact details up to date with the database. If you move house or change your telephone number you must let them know in case they ever need to contact you if your pet goes missing.
Should your pet ever go missing and is found away from home all veterinary practices, animal charities and local authorities will have a scanner and be able to check your pet for a microchip. Once the number has been read, the database would be contacted to retrieve your details and you would then receive a call informing you of the whereabouts of your pet. Without this form of identification your pet may never be reunited with you.
Another benefit of having a microchip is that there are now cat flaps which read your pet’s own unique number only allowing your pet to enter and leave the house. This is especially useful in preventing unwanted visitors!
If you would like any more information on the benefits of microchipping or to book an appointment please contact your local branch of Cinque Ports Vets.
Useful links:
www.petlog.org.uk
