Microchipping your dog is a legal requirement in the UK and for good reason. It’s a small, painless procedure that can reunite you with your beloved pet if they ever get lost. This blog post will cover everything you need to know about microchipping your dog in the UK.
What is Microchipping?
A microchip is a tiny electronic device, about the size of a grain of rice, that is implanted under your dog's skin. The chip contains a unique identification number that is linked to your contact details. If your dog is found, a vet or animal warden can scan the chip and use the number to contact you. A microchip is a permanent form of identification that is more reliable that just a collar and ID tag alone.
Why is Microchipping Important?
- Legal Requirement: It's a legal requirement for all dogs in England, Wales and Scotland to be microchipped and wear a collar with an ID tag. Dogs must be microchipped by the age of 8 weeks old.
- Reunification: If your dog gets lost, a microchip is your best chance of being reunited.
- Pet Theft: Microchipping can deter theft as it makes it harder for a thief to rehome a stolen dog.
The Microchipping Process
The procedure is quick and simple. A vet or qualified person will inject the microchip under your dog's skin, usually between their shoulder blades. It's a painless process, similar to a vaccination.
Keeping Your Details Up-to-Date
It's crucial to keep your contact details up-to-date on the microchip database. If you change your address, phone number, or email, inform the database immediately. Updating your details will cost a small fee and you can do this online, by telephone or post with the database that your pet is registered to. If you've mislaid your dog's microchip number ask your vet to scan your dog.
Choosing a Microchip Provider
After the microchip is placed, the pet must be registered with a microchipping company, often for a one-time fee. This way, your dog can be traced back to you if found. There are several microchip providers in the UK. Some vets offer the service, or you can contact a pet microchipping company directly. Make sure the provider is registered with a pet microchip database. Battersea recommend Petlog who can be contacted on 01296 336 579.
Cost of Microchipping
The cost of microchipping varies depending on the provider. It's generally an affordable procedure. The average cost of microchipping a dog in the UK is around £14.50. However, this can vary depending on where you get it done. Vets typically charge between £10 and £30, rescue centres and mobile microchipping clinics tend to offer lower-cost microchipping. There are even free options for those experiencing financial hardship including Blue Cross, Dogs Trust and Battersea. Remember: Even if you get your dog microchipped for free, it's essential to keep your contact details up-to-date on the database.
Microchipping and Your Dog's Health
There are no known health risks associated with microchipping. Some dogs may experience mild discomfort at the injection site, but this usually subsides quickly. Some microchips have been known to migrate from the area between the shoulder blades. The instructions for scanning emphasise the need to scan the dog’s entire body, including the limbs for this reason.
What to Do if Your Dog is Lost
If your dog is lost, contact your local council's lost and found service, local vets, and animal shelters. You should also check online lost and found pet websites. It is important to remember that microchips do not have GPS or other locating capabilities. A lost pet must be scanned by a chip reader to begin the process of finding the owner.
By microchipping your dog, you're taking a crucial step in ensuring their safety and well-being. It's a small investment that could make a big difference. Don't forget, UK law also states that dogs must wear an ID tag as well as being microchipped. Shop our customisable ID tags here.
