Microchipping

Microchipping your pet is the best way of identifying them. Microchips contain a unique identification number that is held in a large database containing the details of the animal and owner, they are a permanent form of identification. As long as the contact details held within the database are kept up to date, microchips are the best way to reunite lost or stray pets.

Microchipping became compulsory for all dogs over the age of 8 weeks from April 2016. Owner’s of dogs found not to have a microchip will be served with a notice to ensure the dog is microchipped within a set period, or face criminal prosecution and a £500 fine. It is required that litters of puppies are microchipped before they are 8 weeks old and registered to the person who bred them.

Since June 10th 2024 all cats must be implanted with a microchip before they reach the age of 20 weeks and their contact details stored and kept up to date in a pet microchipping database. As with dog owners, any owner found not to have microchipped their cat will have 21 days to have one implanted or may face a fine of up to £500. Microchipping will not be compulsory for cats living with little or no human interaction, such as farm or feral cats.

It is, currently, not a legal requirement for any other companion animals to be microchipped, however, it is highly recommended to enable contact with an owner in an event the pet should go missing.

We recommend microchipping as a permanent form of identification. The microchip is about the size of a grain of rice and is inserted under the skin in a similar way to an injection. It is a quick and relatively painless procedure which can be carried out in a normal consultation. So don’t delay contact your local Lanes Vets surgery to arrange a microchipping appointment today!