Microchipping

Compulsory microchipping for dogs:

The Government have introduced secondary legislation under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and from 6 April 2016, all dogs in England must be microchipped. From this date, dogs must be microchipped and registered on an authorised microchip database by the age of 8 weeks and before transfer to a new keeper. Owners will be required to keep their contact details up to date on the microchip database.
If a breeder or subsequent keeper of the dog do not update the dog’s details on a database that is compliant with the regulations then a notice may be served requiring the keeper to microchip the dog within 21 days of the served notice. If this notice is ignored then a fine of up
to £500 can be issued or an enforcer can seize the dog and microchip it at the keeper’s expense.
 
If you would like us to microchip your dog please telephone us on 01455 888257 to make an appointment.
The cost is just £8.00 per dog.

A microchip is the size of a grain of rice and contains a unique number that links to the owner's details on a central database. It is a simple, safe and quick procedure. The chip is inserted between the shoulder blades using a needle and should hurt no more than a vaccination does. You will not be able to see or feel the chip once it has been inserted. The procedure only has to be done once as the chip will last a lifetime. The process should be carried out by a qualified microchip implanter or Vet. We have staff who are fully trained in microchipping.

The chip number is picked up using an electronic scanner that Vets, rescue centres and dog wardens will all have. It is good practice to get your Vet to scan the dog when it goes in for vaccination. If your dog is found, it will be scanned. The microchip database will then be contacted to get your details in order to contact you and report your dog found.

It is a good idea to supply several contact numbers to the database. If your pet is lost, you will want to receive news as quickly as possible. You will also be supplied with a tag saying that your dog is chipped; it is worthwhile attaching this to the dogs’ collar as not only does it let someone who finds your dog know they are chipped, it also acts as a theft deterrent as you dog will able to be traced next time it is scanned. 

REMEMBER: A chip is only as useful as the details that are linked to it! If you move house, change your telephone number or the ownership of the dog changes, you must let the database know.

What to do if your dog goes missing / if you find a stray dog