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The Kennel Club Secretary says, “so many people are still unaware of how simple, effective and necessary it is to microchip their pet. It's not until their pet goes missing that they really become aware of the value of the service."
"Microchipping ensures that should a dog or cat be found straying, it can be easily reunited with its owner in minimum time ensuring less stress to both the animal and of course the owner.”
What is a microchip?
A microchip (or identichip) is a small capsule that is around the size of a grain of rice. It carries a unique identification number and is made of inert material so it won’t be rejected by your pet’s body. It doesn’t have a power source and but it has a special cap to prevent movement once it has been professionally implanted. The microchip works almost like a barcode by holding an individual identification number which can be read by a scanner. All Vets, Police stations and rescue centres routinely scan strays and so will trace your pet back to you via the microchip database.
How is it implanted?
The microchip is placed under the skin above the pet’s shoulders with the aid of a sterile needle. Microchipping is a quick procedure which should cause little pain when implanted, similar to a vaccination.
Why identichip?
It is a simple procedure which provides a lifetime of cover and peace of mind. Having your pet microchipped gives you the security of knowing that if anything untoward does happen to them, you have the best possible chance of having them returned. In our experience, pets with microchips are usually returned to their owners the same day they become lost while pets without chips are missing for much longer.
Does microchipping cause any problems?
Very rarely there can be a little pain or bleeding after the needle is inserted but this clears up quickly.
How is a pet registered?
When the ‘chip’ is implanted we register your chosen details with a central database (PetLog). If you move or change details, it is your responsibility to inform the database of these changes. There is a further administration charge from PetLog for this, yet it is vital for your pet to be returned to you.
What happens when a lost pet is handed in to Highgate Vets?
Lost pets are routinely scanned when they are brought here. If they have a microchip we ring PetLog (a 24 hour database) who will pass on your contact numbers ensuring the rapid return of your pet. This is why it is vital that your pet’s details are up to date with the database.
If a stray pet is wearing a collar we will ring the owners using the information on the tag. However, if we do not have any means of contacting the owner of a dog and no-one comes forward, we tend to keep the dog in our kennels for 12 hours and then contact the council to collect it. The minimum fee to collect a dog which has been under the care of South Lakeland District Council is over 3 times the cost of a microchip (April 2010), therefore microchipping your dog can save you money. For cats we tend to keep a stray in our kennels for 7 days as there is no governing body for them. If an owner does not come forward the cat will be passed on to a rescue centre to be rehomed.
What is Lakeland Radio’s Pet Patrol?
Highgate Veterinary Clinic sponsor Pet Patrol as we want to help the high number of pets which go missing in our area each week. When you inform us that your pet is missing the details are emailed to Lakeland Radio to be uploaded on to the Pet Patrol section of their website. This lets readers of the section know to look out for pets matching the descriptions. Also your pet’s details are forwarded to local rescue centres and other veterinary practices. See www.lakelandradio.co.uk
Why can’t my pet just wear a collar with a tag?
All dogs in the UK must legally wear an identification tag, under the Control of Dogs Act 1992. However, these can easily be removed or fall off, which is why microchipping is the recommended method of safely and permanently identifying your pet.
My pet is microchipped but my details have changed, what should I do?
If you move or change details, it is your responsibility to inform the database of these changes. Pets microchipped with us are registered on the PetLog database, contact them on 0844 463 3999 or via their website – www.petlog.org.uk
Is there a minimum age for pets to be microchipped?
At Highgate Vets our policy is to wait until dogs and cats to have reached at least 6 months of age before they are microchipped. This is because the growing pets have loose skin and therefore the ‘chip’ may move around under the skin making detection more difficult as he/she gets older.
Is it just for identification?
No, cat flaps are now manufactured which can be set to allow only certain microchipped cats through which is a great way to keep out unwanted strays while letting your own cats in.
Is microchipping essential for “PETS” passport?
Yes, microchipping is required as the permanent form of identification – before your pet is vaccinated for rabies if travelling abroad. For full details of the requirements, timing and costs of starting a pet passport click here
How do I arrange to have my pet microchipped?
Microchipping can be carried out within each of our morning, afternoon or evening surgeries and so ask at reception for an appointment or call 01539 721344. If your pet is having a routine operation they are eligible for the reduced rate of £10 throughout the year.
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