Microchipping dogs, cats & other pets
Microchipping dogs from 8 weeks of age has been a legal requirement since April 2016.
Cat microchipping is also now compulsory in England, with all cats over 20 weeks old needing a microchip implanted by the 20th June 2024.
Besides complying with the law, microchipping will greatly improve your chances of being reunited with your pet should they go missing. With pet thefts on the rise, microchipping rabbits and ferrets is highly recommend as well.
Common questions about pet microchipping
What is pet microchipping?
Pet microchipping is a quick, simple, and low-cost procedure. It can be done within a normal consultation with a Veterinary surgeon.
The needle is inserted into the scruff of your pet’s neck, in between their shoulder blades. A small microchip is released (it is about the same size as a grain of rice) that will sit under the skin, without any bother to your pet.
We use Tracer microchips to give the best chance of being reunited with your pet if they are lost – half price with our Pet Health Club.
How will microchipping help reunite me and my pet?
This procedure enables veterinary surgeries and some animal shelters to find out who the animal belongs to and contact them if their pet is ever lost.
Microchips are designed to last for life and can be scanned using a specialist piece of equipment. The microchip scanner will reveal your pet’s unique microchip code, which is linked to your personal contact details on a national pet database.
Thousands of lost pets have been reunited because of this fantastic microchip procedure.
Does my pet need microchipping to travel abroad?
If you plan to take your pet abroad with you, they will need to be microchipped – learn more about pet travel requirements.
If you have any further questions about microchipping dogs, cats, rabbits, and other pets, or would like to book in, then please call one of our surgeries.
