If your buddy wanders off without telling you, a microchip offers the best chance of getting them home safely. Here's how microchipping can help reunite you with your pet.
Why Microchip Your Pet?
If your buddy spots an open door and makes a break for it without their collar, a microchip can help get them back home safely and sound. If they're picked up by a friendly human and taken to the nearest vet, they'll need some sort of identification to be able to help.
How Big Are Pet Microchips?
A microchip is a tiny computer chip, about the size of a grain of rice, that contains a unique code matching your pet's details. When the vet scans this, they can find your name, address, and mobile number in the microchip registry and then call you to collect your furry escape artist.
Do Pets Need to Be Microchipped?
Getting a pet tracker microchip is now a legal requirement for cats and dogs. It's also strongly advised for rabbits. Going without just isn't an option. But there's more to it than simply staying on the right side of the law.
1-in-8 stray dogs in kennels are there either because they don't have a microchip or because the details on the chip are out of date.
But it's not just about dogs. Cats and rabbits are more than capable of going on extended walkies - and there's the possibility of pet theft to think about, too.
Do Dogs Need to be Microchipped?
In the UK, microchipping dogs is now mandatory before they reach 8 weeks old. At the last count, 8 million dogs are now chipped; that’s 95% of the UK pooch population!
Plus, due to these enforcements on microchipping dogs, over 43,000 strays were reunited with their happy humans in 2015-16, and an estimated 20% were down to microchipping.
Dog microchipping is a legal requirement in the UK, and it's essential for your dog's safety. A microchip provides a permanent form of identification, helping reunite you with your pet if they go missing. Failure to comply may result in a fine.
Local councils have issued almost 3,000 enforcement notices to dog owners where either the dog didn't have a chip, or the info stored on it was out of date. Owners in the doghouse have been bitten with an average fine of £340 (ouch), or a maximum penalty of £500.
Here's what you need to know:
- All dogs must be microchipped by eight weeks of age – usually done when with the breeder.
- Your details must be registered on an approved database and kept up to date.
- Failing to comply can result in a £500 fine if you don't take action within 21 days of notice.
- In Northern Ireland, dogs must be microchipped as a condition of obtaining a dog licence.
Do Cats Need to be Microchipped?
Yes, microchipping cats is mandatory in England. In March 2023, new legislation came into effect that all newborn cats must be microchipped before they reach 20 weeks of age. Meanwhile, for existing cat owners, you should've had your cat microchipped by 10th June 2024.
If you're found not to have microchipped your cat after this date, you'll have 21 days to do so or face a fine of up to £500. This helps make sure they can be returned to you if they become lost or injured and help to alleviate one of the major concerns about letting your cat outside.
Do Rabbits Need to be Microchipped?
Microchipping rabbits isn't legally required, but it's strongly recommended - especially for rabbits that spend time outdoors or have access to open spaces. A microchip provides the best chance of being reunited with your pet if they escape.
How Does Microchipping a Pet Work?
Breeders are responsible for microchipping puppies. So, whether they're just a pup or a full-grown pooch, your furry friend should already be chipped when you adopt them.
There are a few different pet databases out there, so make sure you get confirmation of which one they're with, and the ID number (this should be on an email or confirmation letter).
Not sure if your new buddy is chipped? Simple: take them to a vet to be scanned.
Does Pet Microchipping Hurt?
Not really, it's just like having an injection. A needle is placed under the skin (usually between the shoulder blades) to deliver a tiny chip which stays there for life. Chances are, your buddy will barely even blink!
Do Pet Microchips Expire?
No. With pet microchipping, it's very much a "one and done" scenario. One chip should last a lifetime. However, don't worry; if you need to update the details stored on your pet's microchip, you can do so on the microchip registration database. Additionally, there may be a fee associated with updating your details.
What's more, it's also a legal requirement for the info on your pet's microchip to be kept up to date. So, if you move house, change your phone number or email address, then remember to keep the chip updated too.
How Much Does it Cost to Get a Pet Microchipped?
Many vets will carry out microchipping for less than £20, and in some areas, the council even offers free dog microchipping services. So there's no excuse not to give your pet the protection they deserve.
Everypaw Dog Insurance
Everypaw's Dog Insurance comes with 24/7 unlimited access to vets and vet nurses that can help with your pet's health, care, nutrition and behaviour. So you can rest assured your pup will be well looked after.