PET MICROCHIPPING – WHY IT’S ESSENTIAL FOR YOUR DOG (OR CAT)
Common Misconceptions About Microchipping
Whilst undoubtedly helpful for pet owners and despite being a legal requirement, microchipping our pets still has some myths and misconceptions.
It’s An Unnecessary Expense
Some pet owners may feel that microchipping is an unnecessary expense, especially if their pet already has a collar and tag. However, collars can come off or be removed, while a microchip provides a permanent form of identification.
Having your pet microchipped gives you peace of mind and is worth the relatively small cost. Just like having a lifetime pet insurance policy will cover vet fees for the lifetime of your pet, with providers like Petsure covering up to £15,000 in vet fees per year, it is worth the investment just in case anything happens. When you consider that not microchipping your pet could lead to being charged a fine of up to £500, you’ll be glad you did so.
It’s also important to note that some pet insurers who offer policies with additional missing pet cover will not cover pets who are not microchipped in line with UK law too. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
It’s Painful For Pets
A common one is that microchipping is painful and harmful to pets. The procedure is quick and causes minimal discomfort, similar to a routine vaccination they would have at the vet. As it can only be implanted by a trained professional, this ensures there are no issues.
My Pet Can Be Tracked
Another is that microchips act as GPS devices, allowing owners to track their pets’ movements. However, microchips do not have tracking capabilities – they only store a unique ID number that can be read by a scanner at close range. This number then needs to be looked up in a database to retrieve the owner’s contact information.
I Don’t Need To Keep Details Up To Date
Lastly, some people may not realise they need to register their pet on a database once the microchip is fitted. Your vet may not be able to do this for you, so it is the responsibility of the owner to register on an approved database. You can be fined up to £500 for not using one of the UK government’s recommended databases and you need to ensure it is updated whenever you change your address or contact details.
How to Get Your Pet Microchipped
Getting your pet microchipped is a straightforward process that can be done during a routine visit to the vet. Most veterinary practices across the UK offer microchipping services.
Once the chip is implanted, register your pet’s unique identification number along with your contact details on one of the microchip databases. As mentioned, the vet may not be able to do this for you so do check. It’s important to ensure that your information is kept up to date in the database, so be sure to do so if your phone number or address changes. For dogs, they still need to wear a collar with a name tag in public places. This needs to include your name and address details (not your dog’s name). It’s not the law but including your contact number means you can be contacted quickly.
Whilst there is a cost for microchipping, sometimes you may be able to get this done for free. Check with the RSPCA and other animal charities such as the Dogs Trust and Blue Cross about free microchipping events your pet may be eligible for. You can also ask your vet about this too.
Don’t Forget To Microchip
Microchipping is very much necessary for any responsible pet owner. It provides a reliable, permanent method of identification which will bring you peace of mind if your pet ever goes missing. Considering its minimal cost, microchipping is a small but vital investment in your pet’s safety and future.
If your pet isn’t yet microchipped, speak to your vet as soon as possible. It’s a simple step that could one day bring your beloved companion back home safely.
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