From 6th April 2016, England will follow Northern Ireland and Wales in making dog microchipping compulsory - a move welcomed by the RSPCA and other charities who often have to care for stray dogs whose owners cannot be traced.
After the 2016 deadline, the owner of any dog found not to be microchipped will be instructed to have it chipped urgently, or face a fine.
Microchipping is a cheap, simple and relatively painless procedure, which involves the insertion of a tiny microchip – the size of a grain of rice – under a dog’s skin. When scanned, the microchip reveals the name and address of the dog’s owners, enabling lost dogs or even stolen dogs to be safely and swiftly returned home.
Most people think microchipping can only be undertaken by vets, but the procedure is so simple that anyone can be trained in the practice – meaning that dog groomers, dog wardens, charities and private practitioners may also offer an implanting service. However, since there is no industry regulation regarding certification, owners are advised to request proof of training before choosing an implanter.
To help dog owners to find implanting / microchipping practitioners in their area, Pet Identity UK is launching an easy online system which is searchable by postcode. To search for a microchip implanter in your area, click here.
Plus, see below the three top tips on what to look out for when getting your dog microchipped.
Top microchipping tips for pet owners:
With microchipping soon to become compulsory for the UK’s 8 million dogs, the practice of Microchipping is fast becoming a very profitable business. But because the industry is unregulated and lacks certification, it is open to exploitation. An untrained implanter could cause an injury to your pet, and so it is important to check that your dog is in the hands of a trained implanter. Don’t be afraid to ask what training they have received, where they trained, and, even for proof. To search for trained implanters in your area, click here to use our system.
More companies than ever are now supplying microchips – and choosing which company to go with is vital. The top things to consider are:
How easy is it to update your details? If you move house/sell your pet, how do you change your details on the company’s microchip register? If you have internet access and can change the details online, then great! But what if you’re an elderly person who doesn’t own a computer? Make sure the service on offer suits you.
How much will they help if my pet goes missing? Some companies will notify local wardens, others go further and help co-ordinate searches, and some provide missing posters for lost pets. Then there are those who do all of the above – and more, even notifying you by text/email with updates on the search. Costs are usually associated with these additional services with some companies including them in a one-off joining fee. To be sure you’re getting the best service and rates shop around.
If you change your address, sell your pet, or change your name or telephone number, it is vital that you update your pet’s microchip records – otherwise the microchip may be useless. It’s no good your pet being found if you then cannot be - as you’ve moved house! Some companies provide a password that allows you to update your own records instantly online, which can be a real timesaver. Again, work out which way would work best for you, compare who offers it, and how much they charge.