National Microchipping Month

Did you know that across England, the month of June marks National Microchipping Month? Microchipping Month was first launched by The Kennel Club and PetLog as a way to draw attention to the importance of microchipping. In this article, we find out what microchips do, how they are inserted, and their benefits, read on to find out.

What Is a Microchip?

A microchip is a small electronic device that contains an ID number specific to a pet. At Roundwoods we use mini microchips that are around the size of a small grain of rice.

Having a microchipped pet is a way of electrically identifying your pet through the National Pet Identification Database. Although a microchip cannot be used as GPS, or tell you the location of your pet, it does serve as a means of identification and proof of ownership if a pet is lost or stolen.

How Is My Pet Microchipped?

In a microchipping procedure, it is likely that your pet will be awake (unless requested to be inserted during a separate surgery). The procedure is relatively quick, only taking a few minutes, whereby the veterinarian or veterinary nurse inserts the chip into the back of a neck.

The microchip is inserted via a microchip implanted and causes minimal discomfort.

The procedure is fast, safe, and lasts a lifetime.

How Do Microchips Work?

A microchip contains a unique 15-digit number that is registered to your pet once implanted. When scanned, this same 15-digit number will appear on the chip reader’s screen, allowing the scanner to retrieve your contact information from the company containing the chip’s database. This is especially helpful when reuniting pets with their owners in the event that they have been lost or stolen. It is also possible to request privacy from the company sharing your contact details. In this situation, the microchipping company would contact you directly.

Is Microchipping a Legal Requirement?

As of April 2016, it became a legal requirement for all dogs to be microchipped with the correct information on a government-compliant database (such as Petlog).

Currently, cats do not have to be microchipped by law in the UK, however, this is soon to change. As of January 2022, the UK government announced their plans to also make cat microchipping a legal requirement with the new legislation due to be passed in the coming months.

At present microchipping isn’t a legal requirement for any other pets, however, it is still available on other pets, such as rabbits, if so you desire.

Why Should I Microchip my pet?

As well as being a legal requirement for both dogs and soon-to-be cats, microchips also offer proof of ownership. They also last a lifetime, so offer a more permanent way of identification compared to collars and ID tags (which can fall off or fade), and are a legal requirement when taking your pet abroad.

Not only this but having them microchipped will increase the likelihood of them being returned to you in the event that they are stolen or lost.

Book to get your pet microchipped with us, by calling 020 8459 4729 or using our online booking system here.