As well as being a legal requirement for Dogs & Cats, and highly recommended for a variety of pets, microchipping really is the best way to protect your pet. Discover why below, and book your pet’s microchipping appointment at Bayswater Veterinary Clinic.
New Cat Microchipping Law: 10th June Deadline
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What is pet microchipping?
Microchipping is a simple, safe, and permanent way to ensure your pet can be identified if they ever get lost. A tiny chip, about the size of a grain of rice, is implanted under your pet’s skin. This chip contains a unique identification number that can be read by a scanner, providing essential information to reunite you with your pet.
Why microchip your pet?
- Reunite Lost Pets: If your pet goes missing, rescue centres and veterinary clinics can scan the microchip to access your contact details, making it easier to reunite you with your pet.
- Legal Requirement: Microchipping dogs has been a legal requirement since April 2016. As of 2024, it is a legal requirement in England for all cats over 20 weeks of age to be microchipped. This law aims to reduce the number of stray cats, ensure lost pets are returned home quickly, and ensure owners of injured cats can be contacted so that prompt treatment can begin – read more about this.
- Safety and Security: Microchipping is a reliable way to prove ownership, which can be crucial in cases of theft or disputes over ownership.
- Health and Travel: Microchips can store essential medical information and are often required for overseas travel, ensuring your pet meets all health regulations.
Rabbits, ferrets and some other small pets can be microchipped too – ask our team about your pet.
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How does microchipping work?
The microchip is implanted under the skin, typically around the shoulder area, using a special needle. Once in place, the chip transmits a unique identification number to a microchip scanner, which is then used to access the owner’s contact information from a secure database.
What to expect during the procedure
- Quick and Simple: The implantation process takes only a few seconds.
- Minimal Discomfort: Most pets experience little to no discomfort, similar to a routine vaccination.
- Permanent Identification: Once implanted, the microchip lasts a lifetime.
Keeping your information up-to-date
After your pet is microchipped, it’s vital to keep your contact information up-to-date in the microchip database. This ensures that if your pet is found, you can be reached quickly. If you move house or change your phone number, remember to update your details with the microchip provider.
Book an appointment
Ensure your pet’s safety and compliance with the law by booking a microchipping appointment at Bayswater Veterinary Clinic today. Our experienced team are here to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.