Microchipping
From April 2016 it became a legal requirement for all dogs to be microchipped and kept up to date with their current owners details.
From June 2024 it became a legal requirement for all cats to be microchipped and kept up to date with their current owners details.
There is no current law stating that rabbits need to be microchipping although it may change in the future.
There are still many pets within the UK who haven't yet been microchipped. If cats and dogs are found to not have a microchip, owners will have 21 days to get their pet chipped and failure to comply can lead to a fine of up to £500.
The reasons for having your pets microchipped include: reuniting you with your pet should they go missing, permanent proof of ownership, identification, increases the chance of your pet being returned to you if they were stolen.
Canines: all dogs must be microchipped by the age of 8 weeks unless there are reasons why they cannot be such as being medically exempt or being too small at 8 weeks old. Breeders are responsible for microchipping the puppies before they leave for their new homes. The new owners are then responsible for updating the details into their own name via the appropriate microchip database.
Felines: all cats (except for feral and community cats) must be microchipped by the age of 20 weeks unless there are reasons why they cannot be (as with dogs, this would only be for medical reasons). This includes cats who are indoor cats as well as outdoor cats. It is not currently a legal requirement for cats to be microchipped prior to leaving the breeders although GCCF (The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy) require kittens to be microchipped prior to going to their new homes if the cats having be registered to them as pedigrees.
What is a microchip?
It is the size of a grain of rice which contains a unique number specific to your pet which can be entered into a database to locate owner details. It provides a permanent and reliable way to identify your pet as collars and name tags can easily get lost.
How does it work?
A microchip scanner emits radiowaves and reads a unique number, displaying it on a screen. The number on the microchip is registered on a secure database where all required information is kept.
Will it hurt my pet when the microchip is implanted?
It is usually painless and quick with minimal discomfort although some animals may react due to the size of the needle. The pain is very short-lived and they are unlikely to cause any long-term health problems or allergic reactions. After implanting, you may see a spot of blood from the needle site, there's no need to be alarmed by this as I will be there to stop the bleeding.
Are there any adverse reactions?
Side effects are uncommon but, like with everything else, they can happen. One of the most common would be migration of the microchip. They are implanted between the shoulder blades but they have been known to migrate to another area such as one of the shoulders or within the neck region. Other adverse reactions can include failure of the microchip to work, hair loss, infection and swelling.
How much does it cost?
£12 for one pet and each additional pet during the same visit will be £10 each. This includes the initial registration. These prices include me travelling to you.
Do you work with breeders?
Yes, of course! The prices will be £12 for the first pet and then £10 for each additional one within the same litter. Registration to the breeder will be free but the new owners will have a fee to pay via the website - which is the same for any microchip company.
How do I book?
You can email me: veterinarynursenatasha@outlook.com or you can message me via Facebook.
If emailing, please keep an eye on your junk mail as some emails end up there.