Since 6th April 2016, it is now a requirement of the law for all dogs to have a microchip. For a small fee, a microchip can be inserted into the loose skin of your pet’s neck with a unique number for you and your pet, this is used to store your information on a national database.
The size of the microchip is about the size of a single grain of rice and implanting can be done whilst your pet is conscious or at a time of an operation. Once implanted, it will stay with your pet forever, and just requires you to update any changed details with the database.
This means that you can now prove that your pet belongs to you and more importantly if lost, and then subsequently found, your pet can be reunited with you.
If your pet is injured whilst lost and taken to a Vet, this means that treatment can be instigated with consent quickly. Microchips are also the core instrument in a Pet Passport, allowing you to travel with your pet and proving who the Passport belongs to.
After microchipping, it is important to keep your details on a database up to date to ensure you can be contacted if necessary. This can be done easily either by phone or via the Internet.
Microchips are not just for dogs and cats, most species are able to have one implanted, talk to the team to find out more.
FAQs
If you have any questions or queries on how to look after your pet just give us a call or pop into the surgery and our staff will be happy to help.
If you find a pet, such as a dog or cat, we are happy to scan them for a microchip for you at no cost. We can then assist in contacting the owner if the animal’s chip details are up to date. In the event of stray animals, the Dog Warden at Exeter Council should be contacted.
If the animal is a wild animal, especially a young animal please leave it alone for 24 hours. This is in accordance with RSPCA Guidelines. Young animals are likely to have their parents nearby waiting to assist them once you are gone. By all means keep tabs on them and if you are still concerned after 24 hours please give the RSPCA a call.
In the event of an emergency please ring our out of hours surgery on 01392 284217 who will be happy to assist you.
If you have any questions or queries on how to look after your pet just give us a call or pop into the surgery and our staff will be happy to help.
